Musculus sphincter ductus pancreatici accessorii

The sphincter of the accessory pancreatic duct is a smooth muscle structure that surrounds the terminal portion of the accessory pancreatic duct, which opens into the duodenum, usually at the minor duodenal papilla. Its function is to regulate the flow of pancreatic juice from the accessory duct into the intestinal lumen, playing a role in digestive processes by controlling the timing and volume of enzyme-rich secretions.

This structure is species-dependent:

• In dogs, the accessory pancreatic duct is often the main functional duct, and the sphincter plays a significant role.

• In cats, the main pancreatic duct is typically dominant, and the accessory duct (and thus its sphincter) may be absent or vestigial.