The pancreas contains glands that release substances to help with digestion and control blood sugar. Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are common pancreatic conditions. Other pancreas conditions include pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.
The pancreas is an organ in the back of your abdomen (belly). It is part of your digestive system.
The pancreas is an organ and a gland. Glands are organs that produce and release substances in the body.
The pancreas performs two main functions:
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The exocrine system consists of glands that make substances that travel through a duct (tube). Besides the pancreas, the exocrine system includes:
The endocrine system consists of glands that release hormones into your blood. These glands control many of your body’s functions.
Besides the pancreas, your endocrine system includes the:
An exocrine gland runs the length of your pancreas. It produces enzymes that help to break down food (digestion). Your pancreas releases the following enzymes:
When food enters your stomach:
The endocrine glands in your pancreas release hormones that control blood sugar (glucose). These hormones are:
Your body needs balanced blood sugar to help with your kidneys, liver and brain. Your heart and circulatory system and nervous system also need balanced levels of insulin and glucagon to function.
Yes, you can live without your pancreas. However, you will need to take enzyme pills to digest food and insulin shots to control your blood sugar for the rest of your life. Though pancreatic removal is rare, surgeons may remove your entire pancreas if you have pancreatic cancer, major injury to your pancreas or severe pancreatitis.
Your pancreas sits behind your stomach and in front of your spine. Your gallbladder, liver and spleen surround your pancreas.
The right side of your body contains the head of your pancreas. This narrow organ lies along the first segment of your small intestine, called the duodenum. The left side of your body houses the tail of your pancreas.
The pancreas is about 6 inches long. It’s about the length of your hand.
The pancreas anatomy includes:
The following disorders can affect the pancreas:
The position of the pancreas deep in your abdomen makes it difficult to check through a physical evaluation. Your provider may use surgery to look for problems in your pancreas.
Your healthcare provider may also use pancreas function tests including:
Healthcare providers treat pancreas conditions in different ways, depending on the condition:
Some people may need a pancreas transplant or pancreatectomy (surgical removal of some or all of the pancreas). Less commonly, people may have a transplant of islets of Langerhans cells (pancreatic cells that make insulin and glucagon) into the liver to maintain insulin function.
You can help reduce your risk of pancreatic conditions by:
If you have symptoms that don’t go away or keep coming back, you should talk to a healthcare provider. Signs of pancreas problems may include:
A note from Cleveland Clinic
The pancreas is an organ in your abdomen. It produces substances that impact digestion and blood sugar. Conditions that affect the pancreas range from Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes to pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. You can take steps to help keep your pancreas healthy, including maintaining a healthy diet and weight. Always see your healthcare provider if you have symptoms that won’t go away.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 08/25/2021.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy