Uncinate Process of the Pancreas

processus uncinatus pancreatis

The uncinate process is a hook-shaped extension from the lower left part of the pancreatic head. It curls behind the superior mesenteric vein and artery and lies in front of the aorta and inferior vena cava. It develops, with most of the head, from the embryonic ventral pancreatic bud.

Anatomical Data

Structure & Supply

Location	Lower left part of the pancreatic head, posterior to the superior mesenteric vein and artery and anterior to the aorta and inferior vena cava
Parts	Relation to superior mesenteric vessels Relation to third part of duodenum
Nerve Supply	Vagus nerve (parasympathetic, secretomotor); Greater and lesser splanchnic nerves via the coeliac and superior mesenteric plexuses (sympathetic and pain)
Blood Supply	Inferior pancreaticoduodenal arteries
Venous drainage	Inferior pancreaticoduodenal veins to superior mesenteric vein
Lymphatic drainage	Pancreaticoduodenal nodes Superior mesenteric nodes

Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Contributes exocrine and endocrine tissue as part of the pancreatic head.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Its close contact with the superior mesenteric vessels means tumours here can involve these vessels before causing jaundice. The tissue between the uncinate process and the superior mesenteric artery is the margin most often found to contain tumour after a Whipple operation. On imaging, its relation to the vessels helps judge whether a cancer is resectable.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Uncinate Process Carcinoma

Pancreatic cancer in the uncinate process that often invades the superior mesenteric vessels early and causes jaundice late.

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