An ampulla was, in Ancient Rome, a small round vessel, usually made of glass and with two handles, used for sacred purposes.

What is an Ampulla in anatomy?

Ampulla: In anatomy, a sac-like enlargement of a canal or duct. The ampulla of Vater is the enlargement of the ducts from the liver and pancreas at the point where they enter the small intestine. Ampulla in Latin means flask.

Where is the Ampulla in the body?

The ampulla of Vater is located where your bile duct and pancreatic duct join and empty into your small intestine. Ampullary cancer forms near many other parts of the digestive system, such as the liver, pancreas and small intestine. When ampullary cancer grows, it may affect these other organs.