An annular pancreas is when a ring of pancreas tissue grows around part of the small intestine, which can cause intestinal blockages. Annular means ring-shaped, and it refers to the ring of tissue ...

This article – the third in a six-part series on the gastrointestinal tract – describes chemical digestion in the duodenum and the role by the liver and pancreas in this process. It also discusses ...

The pancreas is a six-inch-long gland in your abdomen near your liver and small intestine. It controls important hormone and enzyme secretion. Without it, your body can’t properly operate many vital ...

Ampullary cancer is a rare form of cancer that develops in the ampulla of Vater. This is a small opening located on the duodenum, which is the first section of the small intestine. Secretions from the ...

This story is part of a series exploring human anatomy and physiology complexities. Each story in this collection showcases discoveries reshaping our understanding of the body's inner workings, ...

The pancreas is a wing-shaped gland that extends from the duodenum (the upper portion of the small intestine) to the spleen. It serves both digestive and endocrine functions. The pancreas aids in ...

What Is a Whipple Procedure? A Whipple procedure is the main surgery used to treat tumors in the head of the pancreas. Also called a pancreaticoduodenectomy, it’s named after Allen Whipple, MD, a ...

The pancreas is a gland located behind your stomach. It produces hormones that help control blood sugar levels and juices that help break down food. Because the pancreas is in a difficult to reach ...

An annular pancreas is a rare congenital deformity (one that you are born with) that affects the pancreas. It happens when your pancreas doesn’t develop as it should. Instead, a ring of extra ...