Final answer:
The smaller pancreatic duct named in the question is the duct of Santorini, which allows pancreatic juice to flow directly into the duodenum.
Step-by-step explanation:
The smaller pancreatic duct is known as the duct of Santorini. The pancreas produces pancreatic juice, which then travels through two main ducts. The larger one is the duct of Wirsung, which eventually merges with the common bile duct before emptying its contents into the duodenum at the major duodenal papilla. Conversely, the smaller accessory duct, or duct of Santorini, directly enters the duodenum slightly above the entry point of the main pancreatic duct.
The duct of Wirsung plays a vital role in transporting pancreatic juice which is rich in enzymes necessary for the digestion of food in the small intestine. Meanwhile, the duct of Santorini is sometimes considered an anatomical variation and is not always present in all individuals. It acts as an additional pathway for the pancreatic juice, especially if developmental changes or certain conditions affect the main duct.