Function of the Pancreas      The pancreas is a small organ located near the lower part of the stomach and the beginning of the small intestine. This organ has two main functions.  It functions as an exocrine organ by producing digestive enzymes, and as an endocrine organ by producing hormones, with insulin being the most important hormone produced by the pancreas.
     The pancreas secretes its digestive enzymes, through a system of ducts into the digestive tract, while it secretes its variety of hormones directly into the bloodstream.
     Abnormal pancreatic function can lead to pancreatitis or diabetes mellitus.

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