Pancreas (from the Gr. pan, 'all,' and kreas, 'flesh') is a conglomerate gland, lying transversely across the posterior wall of the abdomen, varying in length from 6 to 8 inches, having a breadth of about an inch and a half, and a thickness of from half an inch to an inch. Its usual weight is about three ounces. The head of the pancreas lies in the concavity of the duodenum. For the action of the pancreatic juice, and an illustration of the pancreas, see DIGESTION.
The diseases of the pancreas are few, and do not signify their existence by any very marked symptoms. The most common form of disease is cancerous deposit in the head of the gland, which frequently induces jaundice by obstructing the common biliary duct near its opening. An accurate diagnosis of disease of this organ is extremely difficult, and cannot lead to efficient treatment; all that can be done in these cases being to palliate the most distressing symptoms. The pancreas of ruminating animals is a favourite article of food under the name of sweetbread.