The Pancreas: Biology, Pathobiology, and Disease

Abstract

<i>The Pancreas</i>is a compendium of current knowledge, concepts, and interpretations derived from advances in our understanding of the exocrine pancreas, its biology, functions, abnormalities, and disease. The name was changed from the first edition,<i>The Exocrine Pancreas</i>, and the book expanded to include six chapters recognizing the exocrine-endocrine interaction, anatomic and functional relationships, clinical disorders, and organ and islet transplantation. There is, however, minimal discussion of diabetes mellitus and other endocrine pathology. The six editors have assembled contributions from a large group of international experts chosen for their excellence as investigators, authors, and teachers to create a thick, oversized volume devoted to a single organ. It is similar in size to other authoritative organ system and general medical texts. The contents of the first half include anatomy, differentiation and development, exocrine secretion, and neurohumoral control and its effects on digestion. The authors have been encouraged to go beyond simply