Tail of pancreas

Tail of Pancreas

The Tail of Pancreas is the narrow, tapered end of the pancreas, a vital organ in the human body. It is located near the spleen and forms a part of the digestive system.

Anatomy

The tail of the pancreas extends from the body of the pancreas and ends near the spleen. It is located in the peritoneal cavity, behind the stomach and in front of the spinal column. The tail of the pancreas is in close proximity to the splenic artery and splenic vein, which supply blood to the spleen.

Function

Like the rest of the pancreas, the tail of the pancreas plays a crucial role in digestion and endocrine functions. It produces pancreatic juice, which contains enzymes that aid in the digestion of food. The tail of the pancreas also contains Islets of Langerhans, which are responsible for the production of important hormones like insulin and glucagon.

Clinical Significance

Diseases and conditions that can affect the tail of the pancreas include pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, and cystic fibrosis. Symptoms of these conditions can include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss. Diagnosis often involves imaging tests like CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds, as well as blood tests to check for elevated levels of pancreatic enzymes.

See Also

• Pancreas
• Digestive system
• Endocrine system
• Pancreatic cancer
• Pancreatitis