An organ found in some invertebrate animals (like crustaceans and mollusks) that combines the functions of both liver and pancreas in one structure.
From Greek 'hepato-' (liver) + 'pancreas' (the digestive gland). This term describes a fused organ unique to invertebrate biology, showing how different evolutionary paths created different solutions for digestion and metabolism.
While humans have separate organs, many crustaceans and shellfish have this 'combo organ'—imagine if your liver and pancreas were literally stitched together! It's a reminder that evolution doesn't always build things the same way, and simpler bodies sometimes simplify their plumbing too.
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