Reference notes
The essentials
Lying across the back of the upper abdomen, its head cradled by the duodenum and its tail touching the spleen.
- Size
- About 15 cm long
- Weight
- 70 to 100 g
- Daily
- Makes about 1.5 L of enzyme-rich juice
- Location
- Behind the stomach, across the upper abdomen
- Blood supply
- Splenic and pancreaticoduodenal arteries
- Function
- Digestive enzymes and insulin
Read all anatomy notes · 5
Head
Cradled by the duodenum, where the pancreatic duct joins the bile duct.
Body
Lies across the spine behind the stomach.
Tail
Reaches the spleen; rich in insulin-making islets.
Pancreatic duct
Collects pancreatic juice and carries it toward the duodenum.
Splenic vein
Runs along the back of the pancreas and contributes to the hepatic portal system.