Minor duodenal papilla - Digestive system - Duodenum - e-Anatomy
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Minor duodenal papilla

Papilla minor duodeni

  • Latin synonym: Papilla duodeni minor
  • Synonym: Lesser duodenal papilla
  • Latin eponym: Papilla Santorini
  • Eponym: Santorini's caruncle

Definition

Muhammad A. Javaid

The minor duodenal papilla is a small mucosal elevation on the posteromedial wall of the second (descending) part of the duodenum, situated approximately 2 cm superior to the major duodenal papilla. It marks the opening of the accessory pancreatic duct (duct of Santorini) when present. The accessory pancreatic duct drains part of the pancreas and is derived embryologically from the dorsal pancreatic bud. The minor duodenal papilla is usually smaller and less prominent than the major duodenal papilla and may be difficult to identify during endoscopic examination.

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References

  • Omole AE, Gogna S, KhorasaniZadeh A. Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis: Duodenum. [Updated 2026 Jan 31]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482390/

  • Standring, S. (2015) Grays Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. 41st edn. London: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier. Chapter 65, Small intestine.

  • McNicoll CF, Pastorino A, Farooq U, et al. Choledocholithiasis. [Updated 2023 Jul 10]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441961/

  • Ahmed A, Zuchelli T. Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Sphincter of Oddi (Hepatopancreatic Sphincter) [Updated 2023 Jul 4]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2026 Jan. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551515/

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