Pancreas anatomy in 3D
The pancreas lies crosswise deep in the abdomen, behind the stomach. It makes digestive enzymes for the duodenum and releases hormones such as insulin and glucagon. It has a head, neck, body and tail. The head sits within the C-shaped curve of the duodenum, and the tail reaches left towards the spleen. The main pancreatic duct usually joins the common bile duct and opens into the duodenum at the major duodenal papilla.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the pancreas?
The pancreas lies crosswise deep in the abdomen, behind the stomach.
What does the pancreas do?
It makes digestive enzymes for the duodenum and releases hormones such as insulin and glucagon.
Which body system does the pancreas belong to?
The pancreas belongs to the digestive system. The digestive system is made up of the digestive tract running from mouth to anus (oesophagus, stomach, small and large intestine) and the liver, gallbladder and pancreas, which make digestive juices and send them into the tract.
What are the parts of the pancreas?
The head, neck, body and tail. The head lies on the right next to the duodenum and the tail on the left near the spleen.
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Once the 3D model loads you can turn it and select each part.