pancreas

a GLAND with both ENDOCRINE and EXOCRINE functions. It is located between the DUODENUM and SPLEEN , behind the STOMACH , and is about 15 cm long. There are two types of cells producing secretions. The acini produce pancreatic juice that goes to the intestine via a system of DUCTS . This contains an alkaline mixture of salt and ENZYMES - TRYPSIN and chymotrypsin to digest proteins, amylase to break down starch and lipase to aid digestion of fats. The second cell types are in the ISLETS OF LANGERHANS , and these produce two hormones, INSULIN and GLUCAGON , secreted directly into the blood for control of sugar levels (see also DIABETES MELLITUS , HYPOGLYCAEMIA and HYPERGLYCAEMIA ).