The pancreas is a glandular organ about six inches long that resembles a flattened pear and extends horizontally in the upper abdomen (belly). This organ is located between the stomach and the spine, surrounded by other tissues such as the liver, gallbladder, small intestine, and spleen. There are two main functions of the pancreas: an exocrine function that releases digestive enzymes or juices into the small intestine and an endocrine function that produces the hormone insulin or glucagon in the bloodstream to control blood sugar levels.