Pancreas

The pancreas is a vital organ located in the abdominal cavity, behind the stomach. It plays a crucial role in the digestive and endocrine systems.

Anatomy of the Pancreas

The pancreas is a narrow, flat organ about six inches long that is situated horizontally across the abdomen. It consists of two main functional parts: the exocrine pancreas and the endocrine pancreas.

Exocrine Pancreas

The exocrine pancreas is responsible for producing digestive enzymes, which are released into the small intestine to aid in the digestion of food. These enzymes help break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in the food we eat.

Endocrine Pancreas

The endocrine pancreas consists of small clusters of cells called islets of Langerhans, which are responsible for producing and releasing hormones such as insulin and glucagon into the bloodstream. These hormones help regulate the body's blood sugar levels.