What is the light-green substance inside the carapace known as, which functions as liver and pancreas?
Answer
Tomalley (hepatopancreas)
The digestive machinery of the lobster is supported by a vital internal organ situated within the carapace. This organ is known by the common name tomalley, though its formal biological designation is the hepatopancreas. This structure serves a dual role within the crustacean's physiology, functioning simultaneously as both the liver and the pancreas. It is responsible for processing digested particles received from the midgut, following the initial grinding action performed by the gastric mill in the foregut. Due to its role in processing materials absorbed from the digestive tract, some health advisories caution against consuming the tomalley because of the potential for contaminant accumulation.
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