Ampulla of Vater

The ampulla of Vater is the junction of the bile duct and the pancreatic duct where they meet the duodenum. Physicians use it as a landmark within the duodenum. It contains most of the sphincters which control the flow of bile and pancreatic enzymes. Blockage of the ampulla is a common cause of pancreatitis, and the blockage is most often caused by a gallstone.
Ampulla of Vater at Wikipedia
Category:Anatomy
Category:Gastroenterology