Final answer:
The pancreas is situated posterior to the stomach, confirming 'Posterior' as the correct answer to whether the pancreas lies anterior or posterior to the stomach.
Step-by-step explanation:
The pancreas is a large gland that plays both an endocrine and exocrine role in the human body. The pancreas lies posterior to the stomach, tucked behind it in the upper left abdomen. Structurally, the pancreas consists of a head that is nestled into the "c-shaped" curvature of the duodenum, a body that extends around 15.2 cm (6 in) to the left, and a tapering tail that ends in the hilum of the spleen. Its position is described transversely within the retroperitoneum behind the stomach. The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes and hormones such as insulin and glucagon, which regulate blood sugar levels. In summary, the pancreas lies posterior to the stomach, affirming option 2) Posterior as the correct answer to the student's question.