This is a very important diagram which is used repeatedly to define the omental and ligamentous relationships between the pancreas colon and stomach.  The posterior peritoneum (yellow) lies partially surrounding the anterior portion odf the pancreas and gives rise to the transverse mesocolon which forms a ligamentous attachment as a double layer to the transverse colon.  Disease o the pancreas can thus reach the colon by this route. 01443b05 Courtesy Ashley Davidoff MD P = pancreas c= transverse colon S = stomach gcl = gastrocolic ligament go = greater omentum tm = transverse mesocolon

The transverse mesocolon attaches to the anterior surface of the head and the inferior aspect of the body and tail The posterior surface of the gland is devoid of peritoneum except for the tail.  Thus, the head and body are retroperitoneal, and the tail is intraperitoneal, since it is covered within the splenorenal ligament. It is connected to the splenic flexure by the splenorenal and phrenicocolic ligaments.