The pancreas is located in the abdomen, specifically behind the stomach in the upper left part of the abdomen. It lies deep within the upper abdomen, stretching horizontally across the body. The pancreas extends from the inner curve of the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine) on the right side, where its head is situated, across behind the stomach, to the left side near the spleen, where its tail ends
. Anatomically, the pancreas is divided into four parts:
- Head: the widest part, nestled in the curve of the duodenum on the right side of the abdomen.
- Neck: the narrow section between the head and body.
- Body: the middle portion lying behind the stomach.
- Tail: the thin tip near the spleen on the left side
It is positioned at about the level of the first lumbar vertebra (L1) and is surrounded by several organs including the stomach, small intestine, liver, and spleen. Major blood vessels such as the superior mesenteric artery and vein, portal vein, and celiac axis are nearby
. In summary, the pancreas is a long, flat gland located deep in the upper abdomen behind the stomach, extending from the duodenum on the right to the spleen on the left
