Pancreas

The pancreas is an organ located in your abdomen near your liver and the upper part of the small intestine (duodenum). It is connected to the small intestine by a small duct (tube) which  allows enzymes produced by the pancreas to pass into the duodenum. It plays an essential role in converting the food we eat into fuel for the body's cells. The pancreas has two main functions: an exocrine function that helps in digestion and an endocrine function that regulates blood sugar, through the secretion of the glucose regulating hormones insulin and glucagon. Endocrine dysfunction can result in diabetes. Exocrine dysfunction can result in a failure to breakdown and absorb digest proteins, fats and carbohydrates and vitamins properly.