| Duodenal bulb | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Details | |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | ampulla duodeni,[1] bulbus duodeni[1] |
| Anatomical terminology | |
Theduodenal bulb (alsoampulla of duodenum,duodenal ampulla, orduodenal cap) is the initial, dilated portion of (the superior part of) theduodenum[1] just distal to thestomach; it begins at thepylorus and ends at the neck of thegallbladder. It is normally about 5 centimeters long.[2]
It is located posterior to the liver and the gallbladder and superior to thepancreatic head.[citation needed] Thegastroduodenal artery,[3]portal vein, andcommon bile duct are situated posterior to the duodenal bulb. The distal part of the bulb is located retroperitoneally. It is located immediately distal to thepyloric sphincter.[citation needed]
The duodenal bulb is the site of duodenal ulcer occurrence. Duodenal ulcers are more common than gastric ulcers and - unlike gastric ulcers - are caused by increased gastric acid secretion. Duodenal ulcers are commonly located anteriorly, and rarely posteriorly. Anterior ulcers can be complicated by perforation, while the posterior ones bleed. The reason for that is explained by their location. The peritoneal or abdominal cavity is located anterior to the duodenum. Therefore, if the ulcer grows deep enough, it will perforate, whereas if a posterior ulcer grows deep enough, it will penetrate thegastroduodenal artery and bleed.[citation needed]
