Medical Encyclopedia

Medical Encyclopedia

Pancreatitis - series: Normal anatomy

 Normal anatomy

Pancreatitis - series
Illustrations:

  • Normal anatomy
  • Indication
  • Procedure

    • The pancreas is located posterior to the abdomen. It contains cells that secrete the hormone insulin, and cells that secrete digestive enzymes that aid in the breakdown of food in the gastrointestinal tract. The pancreas secretes these enzymes into the pancreatic duct, which joins the common bile duct from the liver and drains into the small intestine.

    Update Date: 5/3/2007

    Updated by: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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