title: The pancreas--hermit of the abdomen.
abstract: The pancreas is almost impossible to palpate because it is located in the retroperitoneal space. Life-threatening lesions, therefore, often are not diagnosed until they are very advanced and encroaching on adjacent structures. The pancreas has a large endocrine and exocrine reserve, which also contributes to difficulty in diagnosing pancreatic disease. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the anatomy and physiology of the pancreas and endocrinopathies, allowing nurses to provide optimal care for patients with pancreatic abnormalities.
authors.affiliation: Bloomsburg University, Bloomsburg, Pa., USA.
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gavaghan
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D010179:Pancreas / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000601:surgery*; D010182:Pancreatic Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing* / Q000628:therapy; D010189:Pancreatic Juice / Q000378:metabolism; D010195:Pancreatitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing / Q000628:therapy; D013527:Perioperative Nursing