Pancreas

Pancreas, glandular organ that secretes enzymes and hormones essential to the digestive process. Located beneath the stomach, the pancreas is connected to the small intestine at the duodenum. Powerful digestive-system enzymes (trypsin, lipase, amylase) are produced and secreted to aid in the digestion of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, respectively. Insulin and glucagon, hormones secreted by the islets of Langerhans, small cell groups in the pancreas, have important roles in glucose and fat metabolism and regulate blood-sugar levels.

See also: Diabetes; Insulin.