Gross anatomy of the pancreatic ducts in north Indians

Gross anatomy of the pancreatic ducts was studied in dissections and by preparing corrosion casts of pancreases, obtained from 218 male and 57 female adult cadavers. In addition 72 normal pancreatograms were also examined. The main pancreatic duct (MPD) started as two or more tributaries in the tail of the pancreas and crossed the body of the 12th dorsal or the first lumbar vertebra or in between in 72.5% males and 62.5% females. In 96% specimens MPD followed the usual course and opened at the major duodenal papilla. Twenty to thirty five lobular ducts opened on either side of the MPD while a few opened on the anterior or posterior walls. There was no 'herringbone' arrangement. The distance between the two ductules varied from 1 to 10 mm. Mode of formation of the accessory pancreatic duct (APD), its course and termination were also studied. In dissected specimens the embryonic type of pancreatic duct (pancreas divisum) was seen in 9 (4.5%) male and 3 (6%) female specimens. In 15.1% male and 26.3% female (p < 0.05) subjects APD will not act as a safety valve if an obstruction occurs in the distal part of MPD.