Anatomically, the pancreas consists of the following four parts:

Head - the first and widest part; lies within the C-shaped curve that is created by the duodenum (Read more!); it is found on the right side of the superior mesenteric vessels; features the uncinate process:
- Uncinate process - a posterior projection of the head that arises from its inferior aspect and extends medially; it is found posterior and on the right side of the superior mesenteric vessels;
Neck - the second and shortest portion that is found between the head and the body; it is found anterior to the superior mesenteric vessels;
Body - the third and largest part; crosses the midline of the body and is found posterior to the stomach and on the left side of the superior mesenteric vessels;
Tail - the final and most lateral portion that narrows toward the hilum of the spleen (Read more!) and lies in close proximity to it; it is included in the splenorenal (lienorenal) ligament together with the splenic vessels.

The tail and head of the pancreas correspond to the left and right extremities of the organ, respectively.

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Parts of pancreas