Pancreaticoduodenal Lymphatics, Anterior View

Description

Anterior abdominal exposure centers on the head of the pancreas cradled within the C loop of the duodenum, with pancreaticoduodenal lymphatic vessels converging toward peripancreatic and periduodenal lymph nodes along the superior and inferior pancreaticoduodenal arcades. Superficial lymphatic channels track anterior to the pancreatic head while deeper collectors run posteriorly toward retropancreatic nodes, then course superiorly and medially toward hepatic and celiac nodal groups. Red arterial pathways outline the gastroduodenal artery and the superior mesenteric artery branches, while blue venous tributaries reflect the portal system relationships at the pancreatic neck and uncinate process region. The liver is partially seen superiorly, and the spleen appears on the subject’s left, establishing the upper abdominal orientation. Mapping pancreaticoduodenal lymphatics matters because nodal spread from pancreatic head adenocarcinoma and periampullary tumors often follows these same channels into the pancreaticoduodenal, pyloric, and superior mesenteric nodal basins. During pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure), surgeons work in the plane between the pancreatic head and the superior mesenteric vein and artery, where nodal packets and lymphovascular channels lie close to the uncinate process and can obscure or tether the mesenteric vessels. Small structures. Big consequences. Use this artwork to support teaching of foregut and midgut lymphatic drainage in gross anatomy and GI oncology modules, to annotate operative atlases discussing regional lymphadenectomy around the pancreatic head, or to illustrate review articles on patterns of nodal metastasis in pancreatic and ampullary malignancy for radiology and surgical audiences. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.