The tail is the narrow left end of the pancreas, which runs between the layers of the splenorenal ligament to reach the hilum of the spleen. It is relatively mobile and lies close to the splenic vessels and the left colic flexure. It has the highest density of pancreatic islets.
| Location | Left upper quadrant, within the splenorenal ligament, extending to the splenic hilum |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | Vagus nerve (parasympathetic, secretomotor); Greater and lesser splanchnic nerves via the coeliac and superior mesenteric plexuses (sympathetic and pain) |
| Blood Supply | Caudal pancreatic arteries (from the splenic artery); Great pancreatic artery |
| Venous drainage |
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| Lymphatic drainage |
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Produces digestive enzymes and is a major site of insulin and glucagon production.
The tail can be injured during splenectomy, leading to a pancreatic fistula or collection. Inflammation or tumours of the body and tail can thrombose the splenic vein, producing left-sided (sinistral) portal hypertension with gastric fundal varices. Distal pancreatectomy, often with splenectomy, removes lesions here.
Leak of pancreatic juice from a tail injured during spleen removal, causing a collection or drain output rich in amylase.
Clotting of the splenic vein from adjacent pancreatitis or tumour, causing isolated gastric varices and splenomegaly.
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