Question

Tumour of the uncinate process of the pancreas will compress which artery

• A. Portal vein
• B. Superior mesenteric artery
• C. Inferior mesenteric artery
• D. Common hepatic artery

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The pancreas is a critical organ located in the abdominal cavity. It is anatomically divided into several parts: the head, neck, body, and tail. The uncinate process is a small, hook-like part of the head of the pancreas.

A tumour located in the uncinate process can exert pressure on surrounding structures due to its anatomical positioning.

Structures near the uncinate process
Superior mesenteric artery (SMA)
Superior mesenteric vein (SMV)
Duodenum
Common bile duct

The Superior Mesenteric Artery (SMA) is especially relevant here because it runs in close proximity to the uncinate process. A tumour in the uncinate process could potentially compress the SMA due to its anterior positioning at this anatomical location.

Among the listed options:

• The portal vein does not run close enough to the uncinate process to be compressed by a tumor in that location.
• The inferior mesenteric artery is situated lower in the abdomen, not near the pancreas.
• The common hepatic artery also does not lie near the uncinate process of the pancreas.

Thus, when considering the anatomy of the pancreas and its surrounding structures, the artery that would most likely be compressed by a tumour of the uncinate process is the Superior Mesenteric Artery.