The pancreas--hermit of the abdomen.

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.