What is the pancreas?

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The the pancreas is called the pancreas. Gray's Anatomy (1918) describes it as a long, tapered gland with both digestive and endocrine functions.

Summary

The the pancreas is called the pancreas. Gray's Anatomy (1918) describes it as a long, tapered gland with both digestive and endocrine functions.

What it is

  • A long, tapered gland with both digestive and endocrine functions.
  • Divided into a head, body, and tail.
  • Secretes pancreatic juice into the duodenum and hormones (insulin, glucagon) into the blood.

Where it is

  • Behind the stomach.
  • Its head lies in the curve of the duodenum; its tail reaches the spleen.
  • Lies transversely across the upper abdomen.

Sources

According to Gray's Anatomy of the Human Body (1918, public domain):

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