# What is the pancreas?

The the pancreas is called the pancreas. Gray's Anatomy (1918) describes it as a long, tapered gland with both digestive and endocrine functions.

## What it means

- A long, tapered gland with both digestive and endocrine functions.
- Divided into a head, body, and tail.
- Secretes pancreatic juice into the duodenum and hormones (insulin, glucagon) into the blood.

## Action steps

1. Behind the stomach.
2. Its head lies in the curve of the duodenum; its tail reaches the spleen.
3. Lies transversely across the upper abdomen.

## Sources

- [Gray's Anatomy of the Human Body (1918)](https://www.bartleby.com/107/)

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