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pancreas
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An anatomical illustration of the human pancreas shows its location near the stomach and intestines, a detailed cross-section highlighting ducts and the islet of Langerhans, and an inset of pancreatic tissue histology with labeled alpha, beta, and delta cells. pancreas Diagram showing a cross-section of a pancreatic islet of Langerhans on the left, with alpha, beta, and delta cells labeled by color, and on the right, arrows illustrating paracrine interactions among these cell types through hormones glucagon, insulin, and somatostatin. The Human Body Medical illustration showing the location and anatomy of the gallbladder and extrahepatic bile ducts within the human abdomen, with labeled structures including the liver, stomach, pancreas, pancreatic duct, common bile duct, cystic duct, hepatic ducts, duodenal papilla, large intestine, and small intestine. Diagram of the human digestive system viewed from the front, showing and labeling organs including the mouth, teeth, tongue, salivary glands, pharynx, esophagus, liver, stomach, gallbladder, pancreas, large intestine, small intestine, appendix, rectum, and anus. The principal glands of the female and male human endocrine systems.
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An anatomical illustration of the human pancreas shows its location near the stomach and intestines, a detailed cross-section highlighting ducts and the islet of Langerhans, and an inset of pancreatic tissue histology with labeled alpha, beta, and delta cells.
structures of the human pancreas Acinar cells produce digestive enzymes, which are secreted into tiny ducts that feed into the pancreatic duct. Islets of Langerhans are clusters of cells that secrete hormones such as insulin and glucagon directly into a capillary network, which also joins the pancreatic duct.

pancreas

anatomy
Written by
Robert D. Utiger
Clinical Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School.
Robert D. Utiger
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Britannica Editors
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
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pancreas, compound gland that discharges digestive enzymes into the gut and secretes the hormones insulin and glucagon, vital in carbohydrate (sugar) metabolism, into the bloodstream. In humans the pancreas weighs approximately 80 grams (about 3 ounces) and is shaped like a pear. It is located in the upper abdomen, with the head lying immediately adjacent to the duodenum (the upper portion of the small intestine) and the body and tail extending across the midline nearly...

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