The major duodenal papilla is, in most people, the primary mechanism for the secretion of bile and other enzymes that facilitate digestion.

The major duodenal papilla is situated in the second part of the duodenum, 7–10 cm from the pylorus, at the level of the second or third lumbar vertebrae.

Additionally, in a small number of people, the primary papilla for draining the pancreas may in fact be the accessory pancreatic duct.

[4] This facilitates the digestion of food; particularly proteins (pancreatic enzymes), and fat-soluble vitamins (bile).

[2] This article incorporates text in the public domain from the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)