Pancreas

Definition

The pancreas is an organ located behind stomach that produces enzymes used in digestion, as well as hormones like insulin and glucagon that regulate blood sugar levels.

Related terms

Exocrine Glands: These are glands that produce and secrete substances onto an epithelial surface by way of a duct.

Endocrine Glands: These are ductless glands that produce hormones which they release into the bloodstream.

Islets of Langerhans: Clusters of cells within the pancreas where insulin and glucagon are produced; they include alpha cells (which produce glucagon) and beta cells (which produce insulin).