A glandular organ located in the abdomen that produces pancreatic juices, which contain enzymes that aid in digestion; and produces several hormones, including insulin. The pancreas is surrounded by the stomach, intestines, and other organs.
A nodular organ in the abdomen that contains a mixture of endocrine glands and exocrine glands. The small endocrine portion consists of the islets of Langerhans secreting a number of hormones into the blood stream. The large exocrine portion (exocrine pancreas) is a compound acinar gland that secretes several digestive enzymes into the pancreatic ductal system that empties into the duodenum.