The Pancreas is commonly associated with the Salivary Glands in its structure although less compactly arranged. It is situated transversely across the posterior wall of the abdomen and is made up of 4 different sections; the head, body, neck and tail. In relation, it can be found in the epigastric and left hypochondriac regions on the body.  On average, in total it grows to a maximum length of between 12.5cm and 15cm and can vary in weight between 60g and 100g.

The pancreas is involved in two major processes in the body, digestion (exocrine) and the monitoring of blood glucose levels (endocrine). In the website, we will look at its relevance in blood glucose level monitoring and Type I diabetes but it is also joined to the small intestine (duodenum) via the Pancreatic duct where it releases enzymes to aid digestion contained within pancreatic juice. As you can see from the above diagram, anatomically, it therefore lies in the ideal location to be an active component in all major metabolic processes receiving an excellent blood supply via branches from both the celiac artery (gastroduodenal artery) and the superior mesenteric artery (pancreaticoduodenal artery), direct branches from the abdominal aorta. Majority of the innervation to the pancreas travels via the Vagus nerve, also known as Cranial nerve X, also involving the celiac plexus.