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Updated: 12/12/06 08:21 AM |
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The pancreas is an organ deep within the body. It is located in the abdomen, right in front of the spine. In front of the pancreas is the stomach, and on either side is the beginning of the small bowel and the spleen. [Figure 1]
The pancreas has two main jobs: one is to maintain even levels of blood sugar by secreting insulin; the other job is to make and deliver the enzymes that help digest food. These enzymes are made in the pancreas and delivered into the small intestine where the food is digested. People can live without a pancreas, although they would not be able to control their blood sugars (diabetes) and would require insulin injections and enzyme tablets to help digest the food.
Figure 1.
The pancreas is located in the abdomen, in front of the spine,
where it can not be felt from outside the body.
The pancreas is located in the abdomen, in front of the spine,
where it can not be felt from outside the body.