The minor duodenal papilla is the opening of the accessory pancreatic duct into the descending second section of the duodenum.
[1] The minor duodenal papilla may or may not contain a functioning sphincter and patent duct.
In 10% of people, the minor duodenal papilla is the prime duct for drainage of the pancreas,[1] although in others it may not be present at all.
[citation needed] The duct is an embryological remnant, however in a small majority of people drains the pancreas.
[1] It is present in several domestic animals (e.g., dogs, cats and horses), being the sole drain of the pancreas in pigs and cows through the ductus pancreaticus accessorius.