Comprehension: Pancreas
A transverse MRI section including the pancreas and adjacent organs is compared with a CT transverse section at a slightly lower level. In the MRI, the lobular configuration of the pancreas can be seen. Note the relationship of the head of the pancreas within a cross-section of the duodenal loop. The splenic vein in this scan is immediately posterior to the pancreas as it drains the portal vein. The superior mesenteric artery with contrast material can be seen in the CT section between the pancreas and the aorta. The left renal vein can be observed crossing the aorta posterior to the superior mesenteric artery. Prior to the development of CT and MRI scanning, the pancreas could not be imaged well in vivo. Now pancreatic cancer and also pancreatitis can be diagnosed fairly accurately with the aid of these techniques.
Using a CT or MR image at this level, one should be able to appreciate:
a) The head of the pancreas lying within the C-shaped part of the duodenum. The duodenum is to the cadaver's right of the head.
b) The tail of the pancreas projecting toward the spleen.
c) The ventral surface of the pancreas indicating the posterior wall of the lesser omental bursa. Note that the anterior wall of this bursa is the posterior wall of the stomach.
e) The superior surface closely associated with the splenic vessels.
d) The pancreatic incisure occupied by the superior mesenteric vessels. The left renal vein can easily be seen coursing across the aorta.
