UNDERWATER REEFS OF THE WIRSUNG AND SANTORINI DUCTS (about the history of the discovery of the pancreatic duct system)

Abstract

The article describes a history of discovery and description of the main and accessory pancreatic ducts. The authors cited historical data about the murder of Wirsung, complexities of justice related to the naming of Wirsung and Santorini pancreatic ducts, as well as a modern view on these issues. Brief information about Vater, who described the major duodenal papilla, and Oddi, who studied the structure and function of biliopancreatic sphincter, is also presented. The article is illustrated with portraits of anatomists who contributed to the discovery of the pancreatic ducts, sphincter and duodenal papilla.