Vascular pattern in the pancreas of the cat.

The pathways of microcirculation in the pancreas of the cat were investigated by scanning electron microscopy of Mercox preparations of the vascular bed. A portal system from islet to exocrine vessels as well as a direct arterial flow to the exocrine pancreas have been observed. Sphincters appear to exist in portal capillaries at the border between the endocrine and exocrine portions of the pancreas. Islets possess an independent venous drainage.