A prominent uncinate process will displace which artery and vein anterior to the pancreas?

The presence of a prominent uncinate process of the pancreas typically leads to an anatomical relationship where the superior mesenteric artery and vein are displaced anteriorly in relation to the pancreatic tissue. The uncinate process is a part of the pancreas that extends behind the superior mesenteric vessels, and when it enlarges, it can push these vessels forward.

This particular arrangement is significant in imaging and surgical contexts, as understanding the relationship between the pancreatic anatomy and surrounding vasculature helps prevent vascular injury during surgical procedures and guides proper interpretation of imaging studies. The superior mesenteric artery supplies blood to a large portion of the intestines, and its positional relationship with the pancreas is clinically relevant for assessing conditions like pancreatitis or pancreatic tumors.

Vascular relationships can vary by the anatomy depicted in the imaging, but in the case of a pronounced uncinate process, the tendency is to see the superior mesenteric artery and vein orientated in front of the pancreas rather than behind it.