Pancreatitis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the pancreas, a gland located behind the stomach, in the retroperitoneal space, that produces enzymes and hormones that aid in digestion and regulate blood sugar levels. The condition can be acute or chronic, and is typically caused by the blockage of the pancreatic duct, a small tube that carries digestive enzymes from the pancreas to the small intestine.
In Pauline's case, the blockage leading to pancreatitis is likely caused by the accumulation of gallstones or by the buildup of scar tissue in the pancreatic duct. Gallstones are solid particles that form in the gallbladder and can sometimes migrate into the pancreatic duct, leading to blockage and inflammation. Scar tissue can also form in the pancreatic duct as a result of chronic inflammation, which can obstruct the flow of digestive enzymes and cause pancreatitis.
In terms of anatomy, the pancreatic duct begins at the tail of the pancreas and extends towards the head of the pancreas where it merges with the common bile duct, which carries bile from the liver and gallbladder into the small intestine. The point where the pancreatic duct and the common bile duct merge is called the ampulla of Vater, which is surrounded by a muscle called the sphincter of Oddi. The sphincter of Oddi helps regulate the flow of bile and pancreatic enzymes into the small intestine.
In summary, the blockage leading to Pauline's pancreatitis is likely located in the pancreatic duct, possibly at the ampulla of Vater. The blockage is likely caused by the accumulation of gallstones or the buildup of scar tissue, which obstructs the flow of digestive enzymes from the pancreas and can lead to inflammation and pain. Pauline's high fat, low protein diet may contribute to the formation of gallstones, which can increase the risk of developing pancreatitis
