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Pancreas

The pancreas is a small flat organ (about 18-25 cm long) that is located behind the stomach and sits close to the duodenum. It is connected to the duodenum via a tube called the pancreatic duct.

The pancreas has two main functions

1. It is the source of powerful digestive enzymes required to chemically break down fats, carbohydrates and proteins. The pancreas also secrete another substance to help neutralize stomach acid
2. The hormone insulin is made by the pancreas - insulin helps to balance blood sugar levels in the body

When food reaches the lower stomach and then the duodenum, these organs give off signals to the pancreas telling it to secrete its many digestive enzymes. These enzymes and other substances are produced within the pancreas and then transferred to the duodenum where they neutralize acid and break down fats, carbohydrates and proteins into smaller molecules (nutrients) that can be used by the body.

Problems of the pancreas

In some people, the pancreas may become inflamed, giving rise to a condition known as 'Pancreatitis'.

An information leaflet on pancreatitis will be available in the future.