Which statement describes the pancreas relative to the stomach and kidneys?

• A. The pancreas lies anterior to the stomach and posterior to the kidneys.
• B. The pancreas lies posterior to the stomach and anterior to the kidneys.
• C. The pancreas lies inferior to the stomach and superior to the kidneys.
• D. The pancreas lies posterior to the stomach and anterior to the kidneys.

Answer: (D)

Understanding upper abdominal relationships helps explain this placement. The pancreas is retroperitoneal, meaning it sits behind the peritoneum. Because of that position, the stomach sits in front of it, so the pancreas is posterior to the stomach. It also lies in front of the posterior abdominal structures, such as the kidneys, placing the pancreas anterior to the kidneys. Putting those relationships together, the pancreas is behind the stomach and in front of the kidneys.