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• The pancreas is a solid retroperitoneal organ situated located behind the stomach with in the 'C' loop of duodenum

• It has head, neck, uncinate process, body & tail

• The main pancreatic duct (MPD) joins the CBD & enters the 2nd part of duodenum

• The pancreas has both endocrine and exocrine function

  • As an endocrine gland, it secretes hormones like insulin, glucagon, somatostatin, and pancreatic polypeptide  

  • Its main function is to regulate blood sugar levels

  • As a part of the digestive system, it also functions as an exocrine gland secreting pancreatic juice into the duodenum through the pancreatic duct. This juice contains bicarbonate, which neutralizes acid entering the duodenum from the stomach

  • It secrets digestive enzymes, namely amylase & lipase which helps digestion and absorption carbohydrates, proteins, and fats

• Because of its role in the regulation of blood sugar, pancreas is a key organ in onset of diabetes mellitus (Type 1& 2)

  • So, any pancreatic disorder or surgery may result in onset of diabetes. For examples- Chronic pancreatitis, surgery like pancreatectomy, where there will be significant loss of endocrine and exocrine function.