Pancreatic embryology

The pancreas is derived from the foregut

• ventral pancreatic bud → uncinate process, main pancreatic duct + pancreatic head
• dorsal pancreatic bud → body, tail, accessory pancreatic duct + pancreatic head

Annular pancreas

• abnormal development resulting in the duodenum being surrounded by a ring of pancreatic tissue
• due to either a bifid ventral pancreatic bud or failure of the ventral pancreatic duct to fully rotate
• usually manifests as polyhydramnios and low birth weight

Pancreas divism

• ventral and dorsal pancreatic ducts fail to fuse together
• common and usually asymptomatic although may be a risk factor for pancreatitis