Minor duodenal papilla

The minor duodenal papilla is the opening of the accessory pancreatic duct into the descending second section of the duodenum.

Structure[]

The minor duodenal papilla is contained within the second part of the duodenum. It is situated 2 cm proximal to the major duodenal papilla, and thus 5–8 cm from the opening of the pylorus. The gastroduodenal artery lies posterior.^[1]

Variation[]

The minor duodenal papilla may or may not contain a functioning sphincter and patent duct. When present, the sphincter is known as the sphincter of Helly, and the duct as the accessory pancreatic duct of Santorini. In 10% of people, the minor duodenal papilla is the prime duct for drainage of the pancreas,^[1] although in others it may not be present at all.^[2]

Pain from the region will be referred to the epigastric region of the abdomen due to its associated dermatomes.^{[citation needed]}

Function[]

The duct is an embryological remnant, however in a small majority of people drains the pancreas.^[1]

Development[]

The minor duodenal papilla represents the remnants of the opening of the accessory pancreatic duct, which drains the during foetal development.

Clinical significance[]

When patent, the minor duodenal papilla may be associated with recurrent pancreatitis. This is particularly common in a subset of people, when the dorsal pancreatic bud fails to fuse with the , a condition called pancreatic divisum,^{[3] : 893} or when patent and ligated.^[1]

History[]

The other names of minor duodenal papilla is Santorini's minor caruncle.

See also[]

References[]

External links[]

• Swiss embryology (from UL, UB, and UF) sdigestive/pankreas01