508 A MANUAL OF ANATOMY. 



with the superior mesenteric vein behind the pancreas and 

 form the portal vein. 



The nerve supply is from the solar plexus. 



The Pancreas. Fig. 105. 



The pancreas is an elongated gland with its larger ex- 

 tremity (the head), within the duodenal arch, its body (the 

 middle portion) crosses the spine over the first lumbar ver- 

 tebra, and the smaller extremity (or the tail) is in contact 

 with the spleen. 



Relations. The gland lies behind the peritoneum, which 

 forms the anterior layer of the transverse mesocolon, by 

 which the gland is separated from the stomach. Behind, 

 crura of the diaphragm, vena cava, aorta, superior mesen- 

 teric artery and vein, spine, left kidney and suprarenal body. 

 Above, the upper border rests against the cceliac axis and 

 has the splenic artery and vein running behind it. Below, 

 the third part of the duodenum. 



The duct of the gland opens into the common bile 

 duct close to the duodenum ; it is called the duct of 

 Wirsung 1 . 



The blood-supply : From the splenic, hepatic, and 

 superior mesenteric arteries. The return flow is through 

 the splenic and superior mesenteric veins. 



The lymphatics empty into the superior mesenteric 

 glands. 



The nerves are derived from the solar plexus and accom- 

 pany the arteries to the gland. 



DISSECTION. 



Raise the liver and ribs as far upward as possible with chain hooks. Draw 

 the stomach downward. Dissect off the peritoneum covering the hepatic 

 artery, duct, and portal vein, trace the artery to the cceliac axis, and the gas- 

 tric and splenic branches of the same. 



