Duodenum

Basic anatomy

The duodenum is split into 4 parts:

• The 1st part is the continuation of the pylorus
• The 2nd part is the descending part and this is where the common bile duct and pancreatic duct drain into.
• The 3rd part is the transverse part and this runs from right to left anterior to both IVC and aorta
• The 4th part turns upwards and becomes jejunum at the inferior border of the pancreas so like the 3rd part of the duodenum is mostly inferior to the pancreas.

Important relations
The college expect you to be familair with the relation of the duodenum to the pancreas, aorta and IVC. The aorta and IVC are posterior to the 3rd part of the duodenum. The head of the pancreas is medial to the 2nd part of the duodenum.

Diagram illustrating the duodenum and its anatomical relations