IF THE MAIN PANCREATIC DUCT IS BLOCKED THEN WILL THE DUCT OF SANTORINI BECOME FUNCTIONAL?
The main pancreatic duct or the duct of Wirsung collects the pancreatic juice from all branches of pancreatic system and drains it at the main papilla of Vater in the duodenum. Another important duct called the duct of Santorini connects the main duct to a small papilla.
This dual arrangement is a complex reorganization of the pancreas in the foetal stage. Early embryonic stages show that the pancreas is formed in two parts – dorsal and ventral elements. These elements join to form one pancreas during 6th to 8th weeks of pregnancy.
It is found that even after joining the duct of Santorini continues to function along with the main pancreatic duct. Thus, the duct of Santorini and the minor papilla take up the drainage function and as such even if there are problems in the main duct, symptoms are not seen.
In cases where the fusion of the dorsal and the ventral elements do not occur (in about one in twelve person) during foetal stages, the pancreas remain separated (‘pancreas divisum’). In such people, if the main duct is blocked the symptoms are seen immediately.
Now, to answer your question, if the person has an unified pancreas then the duct of Santorini will already be performing its function and reducing the expression of symptoms of blockage of the main pancreatic duct. On the other hand, if the person has 'pancreas divisum' then the symptoms will be seen immediately as the duct of Santorini will remain at the separate part of the pancreas.
This dual arrangement is a complex reorganization of the pancreas in the foetal stage. Early embryonic stages show that the pancreas is formed in two parts – dorsal and ventral elements. These elements join to form one pancreas during 6th to 8th weeks of pregnancy.
It is found that even after joining the duct of Santorini continues to function along with the main pancreatic duct. Thus, the duct of Santorini and the minor papilla take up the drainage function and as such even if there are problems in the main duct, symptoms are not seen.
In cases where the fusion of the dorsal and the ventral elements do not occur (in about one in twelve person) during foetal stages, the pancreas remain separated (‘pancreas divisum’). In such people, if the main duct is blocked the symptoms are seen immediately.
Now, to answer your question, if the person has an unified pancreas then the duct of Santorini will already be performing its function and reducing the expression of symptoms of blockage of the main pancreatic duct. On the other hand, if the person has 'pancreas divisum' then the symptoms will be seen immediately as the duct of Santorini will remain at the separate part of the pancreas.