Each part of the pancreas is related to different anatomical structures described below:

The head of the pancreas is found at the level of the second lumbar vertebra (L2) (Read more!). The left side of the head is related to the superior mesenteric vessels, while the inferior vena cava (Read more!) and the right renal vessels are posterior to it. Moreover, its posterior aspect is penetrated by the lower end of the common bile duct and pancreaticoduodenal vessels. Anteriorly, the pancreas is covered by the peritoneum, transverse colon, and the root of the transverse mesocolon.
The neck of the pancreas is found anterior to the superior mesenteric vessels and posterior to the pylorus of the stomach (Read more!), as well as the root of the transverse mesocolon. Also, the superior mesenteric vein unites with the splenic vein posterior to the neck, forming the hepatic portal vein (Read more!).
Overall, anterior to the body of the pancreas lies the stomach, transverse colon, and transverse mesocolon. Posterior to the body is the abdominal aorta, left crus of the diaphragm, splenic vein, left kidney (Read more!), left suprarenal (adrenal) gland (Read more!), left renal vessels, as well as the initial part of the superior mesenteric artery. The duodenojejunal flexure, loops of the jejunum, and the left colic flexure are found inferior to the body. And finally, the splenic artery passes along and above the superior border of the body.
Most of the structures that are related to the body also surround the tail of the pancreas. Anteriorly, the tail is covered by the stomach and the transverse mesocolon. Posterior to it lies the splenic vein, left kidney, and left suprarenal (adrenal) gland (Read more!). Laterally to it is the hilum of the spleen, while inferior to it is the left colic flexure, transverse colon, and loops of the jejunum. The splenic artery passes along the superior border of the tail.

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Anatomical relations