Macroscopic and microscopic vasculature of the duodenal-biliary-pancreatic complex

The author makes a survey on the macroscopic and microscopic vasculature of the duodeno-biliary-pancreatic complex, based on his works in the field as well as on the specialty literature. This complex is a real morphofunctional and medico-surgical entity with a common embryonic origin. The related pathology and the common access paths enhance this approach. The presentation of arterial sources at the macro-, meso- and microscopical magnitude levels is accompanied by practical appreciations, especially surgical ones, and stresses the sectors with a good irrigation richly anastomosed as against the less well-vascularized ones, especially at the circulatory level, responsible for post-operatory necroses. It is underlined that, in comparison with the studies concerning the endocrine pancreas microvasculature, the terminal circulatory network of the other components of the duodenal-biliary-pancreatic complex have been studied in a lesser degree. In conclusion the author insists upon the needs for a better knowledge of this veritable crossroad (real crucial point) of the supramesencholic level, meeting place of there types of digestive juices, so necessary in the economy of the "import apparatus of the matter" (Rainer).