The pancreas is a large gland in the back of your abdomen (belly). It’s part of your digestive system and your endocrine system. Your pancreas is a dual organ — like a factory with two production lines. It makes:

Enzymes to help with digestion (exocrine system).

Hormones to control the amount of sugar in your bloodstream (endocrine system).

What does the pancreas do?

Your pancreas helps with digestion and releases hormones that regulate your blood sugar. It also plays a role in supporting other organs like your heart, liver and kidneys.

Where is the pancreas located?

Your pancreas sits behind your stomach and in front of your spine. Your gallbladder, liver and spleen surround your pancreas.

Pancreas anatomy

Parts of the pancreas include the:

Head: The wider part of your pancreas that sits in the curve of your duodenum.

Neck: The short part of your pancreas extending from the head.

Body: The middle part of your pancreas between the head and neck, which extends upward.

Tail: The thinnest part of your pancreas, located near your spleen.