Where Is the Pancreas Located in the Human Body?

By Staff WriterLast Updated March 26, 2020

The pancreas is located in the abdominal cavity in humans, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. More specifically, it is located in the upper-left portion of the abdomen, behind the stomach.

The pancreas is a glandular organ that has functions in both the endocrine and digestive systems. This long, flattened gland releases several important hormones, including insulin, which circulate in the blood. It also secretes pancreatic juice, a substance containing digestive enzymes and that helps digestion and nutrient absorption in the small intestine. The pancreas is about 6 inches long and is surrounded by the duodenum, the first section of the small intestine, where it connects to the stomach.