Exocrine Function of the Pancreas

A clear understanding of the biochemical and physiological principles regulating the formation and flow of the constituents in pancreatic juice would be helpful in elucidating some aspects of pancreatic diseases. In the consideration of pancreatitis and its complications, in addition to biochemical and physiological principles, certain features of the normal anatomy of the gland should be understood. Because there has been much discussion and controversy concerning the relationship of the "common channel" to pancreatitis, a description of the variations in the anatomy of the intraduodenal bile duct and pancreatic duct (duct of Wirsung) is relevant. In about 30% of people the pancreatic duct is completely separated from the common duct, both ducts opening separately into the duodenum at the ampulla of Vater. In about one third, the two ducts join with 2 mm of a common opening into the duodenum. Such a short common channel is not considered to be