The pancreas is a six-inch-long gland located in your abdomen near your liver and part of the small intestine. It’s nestled right behind and slightly below your stomach and in front of your spine. The head of the pancreas is along the curve of your duodenum, the first part of the small intestine just beyond the stomach.
The pancreas plays a dual role in your bodily functions:
Endocrine system. The pancreas secretes hormones, including the blood sugar-regulating hormones: insulin and glucagon.
Exocrine system. The pancreas also secretes enzymes into your digestive tract through a duct into your duodenum.