The pancreas is an organ in the upper abdomen, behind the stomach
and close to the spine, that produces substances (digestive enzymes) needed to
break down and use food. The pancreas also produces 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
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Last Updated:
May 25, 2011
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