Ductus pancreaticus accessorius

The accessory pancreatic duct is a secondary duct of the pancreas that drains the flow of pancreatic secretions of the right pancreatic lobe into the duodenum. It often connects with the minor duodenal papilla, which is typically located cranial to the major duodenal papilla (through which the main pancreatic duct and common bile duct usually open).

Species Differences:

• In dogs, the accessory pancreatic duct is often the primary drainage duct and is typically more developed than the main duct.

• In cats, the main pancreatic duct is more dominant, and the accessory duct may be absent or less functional.

• In ruminants and pigs, the accessory pancreatic duct is generally present.

• In horses, both ducts are present, but the accessory duct usually predominates.