Anterior surface of pancreas

Anterior Surface.—The greater part of the right half of this surface is in contact with the transverse colon, only areolar tissue intervening.

From its upper part the neck springs, its right limit being marked by a groove for the gastroduodenal artery.

The lower part of the right half, below the transverse colon, is covered by peritoneum continuous with the inferior layer of the transverse mesocolon, and is in contact with the coils of the small intestine.

The superior mesenteric artery passes down in front of the left half across the uncinate process; the superior mesenteric vein runs upward on the right side of the artery and, behind the neck, joins with the lienal vein to form the portal vein.