pancreas

A comma-shaped endocrine gland that produces enzymes for digesting food and hormones that regulate the use of fuels in the body, including insulin and glucagon. In a fully functioning pancreas, insulin is released through special cells located in clusters called islets of the Langerhans. The three hormones (insulin, glucagon, somatostatin) produced by the pancreas enable the body to break down (metabolize) food that is eaten. When the pancreas is fully functioning normally, the glucose concentration in the blood changes in response to a wide variety of events including meals, exercise, stressful situations, and infections, but remaining within therapeutic ranges.

An organ in the body that makes insulin so that the body can use glucose for energy. The pancreas also makes enzymes that help the body digest food.

A glandular organ located in the abdomen. It makes pancreatic juices, which contain enzymes that aid in digestion, and it produces several hormones, including insulin. The pancreas is surrounded by the stomach, intestines, and other organs.

(PAN-kree-yus): A large gland that helps digest food and also makes some important hormones.

An organ of the digestive system that secretes the hormones insulin and glucagon, as well as digestive enyzymes.