Health Encyclopedia

Pancreas

Pancreas

Picture of the pancreas and its location in the body

The pancreas is an organ in the upper belly, behind the stomach and close to the spine. It makes digestive enzymes that your body uses to break down and process food. The pancreas also makes insulin, the hormone that regulates sugar (glucose) in the blood.

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Peter J. Kahrilas, MD - Gastroenterology
Last Revised May 25, 2011

Last Revised: May 25, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Peter J. Kahrilas, MD - Gastroenterology

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