The pancreas is an elongated glandular organ, about 18-20 cm long, located deep in the abdomen, between the stomach and the spine.
It is divided into three parts: the largest part is called the head and is in close contact with the duodenum, the middle part the body, and the thinnest part, which extends all the way to the spleen, is called the tail.
The pancreas produces several very important hormones including insulin and glucagon (which regulate blood sugar levels) and various enzymes (e.g., trypsin) that, transported by the pancreatic ducts into the intestines, contribute to the digestion and absorption of nutrients.