The Pancreas Aselli, Central Fatty Inclusion, or Large Mesenteric Lymph Node of Shrews (Soricidae, Eulipotyphla)

Pancreas Aselli, the large mesenteric gland, central fatty inclusion, and fatty or large lymphoid body are some of the names for the large mesenteric lymph node characteristic of shrews. Despite the attention this organ has attracted due to its large size comparable to that of a kidney, it has long remained a mystery to theriologists. Due to the seasonal and age-related variability in weight and size revealed, it has been allotted exclusively metabolic or even storage functions. An analysis of the studies on the large mesenteric lymph node has made it possible to trace the changing views on the roles this organ plays in the lymphatic and immune systems of shrews and to assess the prospects for its further study.