Page 118 - Clinical Anatomy

ECA2 7/18/06 6:42 PM Page 103

The gastrointestinal adnexae 103

Fig. 78◊Development of the intestinal adnexae.

2◊◊Note from the posterior relations of the pancreas that a neoplasm of the
head of the pancreas will produce obstructive jaundice by compressing the
common bile duct. An extensive growth in the body of the gland may cause
portal or inferior vena caval obstruction.
3◊◊Anterior to the pancreas lies the stomach, separated from it by the lesser
sac. This sac may become closed off and distended with fluid either from
perforation of a posterior gastric ulcer or from the outpouring of fluid in
acute pancreatitis, forming a pseudocyst of the pancreas. Such a collection
may almost fill the abdominal cavity.