Development of the human pancreas and its vasculature - An integrated review covering anatomical, embryological, histological, and molecular aspects

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive overview of the clinically relevant anatomical and histological aspects of the development of the human pancreas, with emphasis on the vascularization of the gland.

Methods: A comprehensive search on the relevant aspects of pancreatic biology was performed through the main electronic databases up to August 2017. Data from all relevant articles was gathered, analyzed and included in this narrative review.

Results: This review outlines the main topics on embryology, anatomy, histology, and molecular biology of the microcirculation of the human pancreas. The first part describes in detail the development of the pancreas synthesizing anatomical knowledge with findings of novel molecular studies. The second and third parts give information on the organization of arterial and venous pancreatic circulation. The final part summarizes the most important findings concerning pancreatic microcirculation. All parts taken together create a comprehensive and up-to-date description of the development and organization of the blood supply to the human pancreas.

Conclusions: Detailed knowledge on the physiological development of the pancreas and anatomy of its blood supply play a key role in understanding the pathophysiology of various pancreatic disorders and is crucial for developing novel therapies for pancreatic disorders.

Keywords: Development; Embryology; Microcirculation; Microvasculature; Pancreas.