The pancreas is an abdominal organ made of glandular tissue and a system of ducts. It is located between the stomach and the spine. The pancreas has two major functions:

• To produce enzymes that aid in the digestion of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. These enzymes, which regulate metabolism, are released into ducts by exocrine cells (the term exocrine means to release externally, into ducts).
  
  
• To produce hormones essential to regulating the body's main energy source, called glucose (blood sugar), in the bloodstream. These hormones include insulin, which is necessary to lower glucose levels by moving it into cells, and glucagon, which raises glucose levels in the blood. They are produced by endocrine cells (endocrine means to release internally, into the bloodstream).

The pancreas also produces other hormones, such as gastrin (to regulate acid secretion) and somatostatin (to regulate insulin, glucagon and other hormones). These hormones are produced in clusters of cells spread throughout the pancreas. These clusters, called the islets of Langerhans, are composed of specialized cells known as alpha, beta and delta cells.

Damage to the beta cells can cause insulin production to slow or stop completely. Without insulin to move glucose into cells, the level of glucose in the blood will rise. This condition is known as diabetes. Other conditions that can affect pancreas function include:

• Pancreatitis. Inflammation of the pancreas.
  
  
• Pancreatic cysts. Sacs of fluid that are usually caused by pancreatitis.
  
  
• Pancreatic cancer. A form of cancer that spreads quickly and is rarely found in its early stages.
  
  
• Pancreatic insufficiency. Occurs when the pancreas fails to make enough enzymes for proper digestion.