Gland
Pancreas
Digestive gland with endocrine islands behind the stomach
High-yield
The splenic and superior mesenteric veins usually unite behind the pancreatic neck to form the portal vein. The uncinate process extends behind the superior mesenteric vessels.
Overview
The pancreas crosses the posterior upper abdomen from the duodenal curve toward the spleen. Most of the gland is retroperitoneal; the tail approaches the splenic hilum in the splenorenal ligament. Exocrine acini and ducts deliver digestive secretion, while scattered islets release hormones into the blood.
Reference facts
- Location
- Posterior upper abdomen, usually near L1–L2: head and uncinate process, neck, body and tail extending toward the splenic hilum.
- Hormones
- Islet cells release insulin, glucagon, somatostatin and pancreatic polypeptide into the circulation.
- Blood supply
- Pancreaticoduodenal arcades supply the head/uncinate region; variable pancreatic branches, many arising from the splenic artery, supply the body and tail.
- Innervation
- Celiac and superior mesenteric autonomic pathways with vagal fibers; visceral pain afferents largely accompany sympathetic routes.
- Function
- Acinar enzymes and ductal bicarbonate support digestion, while islet hormones regulate nutrient handling and blood glucose.
Clinical correlation
Pancreatic inflammation or a mass can affect nearby bile ducts, vessels and retroperitoneal tissues. Pain may radiate from the epigastrium toward the back, but this pattern alone cannot identify pancreatic disease.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the pancreas located?
Posterior upper abdomen, usually near L1–L2: head and uncinate process, neck, body and tail extending toward the splenic hilum.
What does the pancreas secrete?
The pancreas secretes islet cells release insulin, glucagon, somatostatin and pancreatic polypeptide into the circulation.
What does the pancreas do?
Acinar enzymes and ductal bicarbonate support digestion, while islet hormones regulate nutrient handling and blood glucose.
What is the blood supply of the pancreas?
Pancreaticoduodenal arcades supply the head/uncinate region; variable pancreatic branches, many arising from the splenic artery, supply the body and tail.