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Pancreas

The pancreas is an organ in the upper abdomen, behind the stomach and close to the spine, that produces substances (digestive enzymes) needed to break down and use food. The pancreas also produces insulin, the hormone that regulates sugar (glucose) in the blood.

Last Revised: May 25, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Peter J. Kahrilas, MD - Gastroenterology

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