The Pancreas   "The pancreas is a gland located deep in the abdomen between the stomach and the spine" (What You Need To Know...).  Surrounded by numerous organs such as the intestine and liver, it is difficult to reach the pancreas if need be, such as to remove a tumor surgically.  Shaped somewhat like a pear and about 6 inches in length, the pancreas serves two important functions within the body and acts almost like two separate organs. The situation of the Pancreas in the body with it's surrounding organs (What You Need To Know...)   The pancreas serves the body as a manufacturer of endocrine hormones and exocrine enzymes.  As it is part of the digestive system, most hormones created involve the usage or storage of energy from food.  A well known hormone, insulin, works to control the sugar levels in the blood.  When insulin is lacking in the blood, the common disease of diabetes forms, requiring regular intakes of insulin and the constant monitoring of one's blood sugar levels. The other main function of the pancreas is the synthesis of pancreatic juices; enzymes that work to digest food.  These juices are released, through a system of ducts, to the common bile duct from which they are emptied into the duodenum, the beginning of the small intestine (Pancreas Endocrine Tumors...).   The components of the pancreas (What You Need To Know...).   Continue to An Overview of Pancreatic Cancer | Return Home View the Glossary | View The Works Consulted |Return Back One Page