Ampulla of Vater facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ampulla of Vater
A diagram of the biliary system. The ampulla of Vater is behind the major duodenal papilla.
The major duodenal papilla, seen during a procedure called ERCP. This is where the ampulla of Vater sticks out into the duodenum.
Latin	Ampulla hepatopancreatica, ampulla Vaterii

The ampulla of Vater is a small but very important part inside your body. It's like a special meeting point where two tubes, called ducts, join together. These tubes carry important liquids that help your body digest food.

What is the Ampulla of Vater?

The ampulla of Vater is also known as the hepatopancreatic ampulla. It gets its name from Abraham Vater, a German anatomist who described it a long time ago.

Where is it located?

This tiny part is found in your small intestine, specifically in the first section called the duodenum. It's located at a small bump inside the duodenum called the major duodenal papilla. Think of it as a little opening where important digestive juices enter your intestine.

What does it do?

The main job of the ampulla of Vater is to control the flow of two very important liquids into your small intestine:

• Bile: This liquid is made by your liver and stored in your gallbladder. Bile helps your body break down fats from the food you eat.
• Pancreatic juice: This liquid comes from your pancreas. It contains powerful enzymes that help digest carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

The Pancreatic Duct

The pancreatic duct is a tube that carries digestive juices from your pancreas. Your pancreas is an organ that helps with digestion and also makes hormones like insulin.

The Common Bile Duct

The common bile duct is a tube that carries bile. Bile helps your body absorb fats and important vitamins.

Why is it important for digestion?

The ampulla of Vater acts like a traffic controller. It makes sure that bile and pancreatic juices mix together and flow into your small intestine at just the right time. This mixing is super important for breaking down the food you eat into tiny pieces that your body can use for energy and growth. Without it, your body would have a much harder time digesting food properly.

Images for kids

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  The pancreatic duct.

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  Carcinoma of Ampulla

See also

In Spanish: Ampolla de Vater para niños