Pancreas

Pancreas
Anatomy of the pancreas
1: Head of pancreas 2: Uncinate process of pancreas 3: Pancreatic notch 4: Body of pancreas 5: Anterior surface of pancreas 6: Inferior surface of pancreas 7: Superior margin of pancreas 8: Anterior margin of pancreas 9: Inferior margin of pancreas 10: Omental tuber 11: Tail of pancreas 12: Duodenum
Details
Precursor	Pancreatic buds
Artery	Inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery, anterior superior pancreaticoduodenal artery, posterior superior pancreaticoduodenal artery, splenic artery
Vein	Pancreaticoduodenal veins, pancreatic veins
Nerve	Pancreatic plexus, celiac ganglia, vagus nerve
Lymph	Splenic lymph nodes, celiac lymph nodes and superior mesenteric lymph nodes
Identifiers
Latin	Pancreas
Greek	Πάγκρεας (Pánkreas)
MeSH	A03.734
TA	A05.9.01.001
FMA	7198
Anatomical terminology []

The pancreas /ˈpæŋkriəs/ is a glandular organ in the digestive system and endocrine system of vertebrates. In humans, it is located in the abdominal cavity behind the stomach. It is an endocrine gland producing several important hormones, including insulin, glucagon, somatostatin, and pancreatic polypeptide which circulate in the blood. The pancreas is also a digestive organ, secreting pancreatic juice containing digestive enzymes that assist digestion and absorption of nutrients in the small intestine. These enzymes help to further break down the carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids in the chyme. The pancreas is also known as mixed gland.

The pancreas is an endocrine organ that lies in the upper left part of the abdomen. It is found behind the stomach. The pancreas is about 15 cm (6 in) long.