About the Pancreas

The pancreas is a small organ (approximately six inches long) located in your upper abdomen and connected to your small intestine. It produces enzymes, which help you digest fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. These digestive enzymes flow from your pancreas through the pancreatic duct into the upper part of your small intestine (duodenum). Your pancreas also produces the hormones insulin and glucagon, which help regulate the level of sugar (glucose) in your blood. These hormones go directly from the pancreas into your bloodstream and are not part of your digestive process. » Next Section: Disorders of the Pancreas Last modified on: 30 June 2015