Medicinal leech
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Science Photo Library
Medicinal leech
Medicinal leech (Hirudo medicinalis). Leeches are parasites that feed on blood. They attach themselves to the skin using suckers and create a wound with three sharp jaw plates, which contain over 600 teeth. They remain attached to their host until they are full. Their saliva contains hirudin, a chemical which prevents blood from clotting. A normal wound may bleed for up to 20 minutes before clotting, but a leech wound can bleed for up to 10 hours. They are used in medicine to reduce blood coagulation, relieve pressure from pooling blood and stimulate circulation
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6469335
© ANDY HARMER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Annelid Annelida Attached Blood Blood Letting Blood Sucking Carnivore Carnivorous Cure Ecto Parasite Feeding Hermaphrodite Host Leech Medicinal Parasite Parasitic Parasitism Phlebotomy Skin Sucking Treatment Treatments Hirudinea
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the intriguing world of the medicinal leech (Hirudo medicinalis). Known for their parasitic nature, these creatures survive by feeding on blood. With their remarkable ability to attach themselves to the skin using suckers, they create a wound with three sharp jaw plates that house an astonishing 600 teeth. Once attached, they remain steadfastly connected to their host until satiated. What sets these leeches apart is their saliva, which contains hirudin—a chemical that prevents blood from clotting. While a typical wound may stop bleeding within 20 minutes due to clot formation, a leech bite can continue oozing for up to an astounding 10 hours. This unique characteristic has led them to be employed in medicine as valuable tools for reducing blood coagulation, relieving pressure caused by pooling blood, and stimulating circulation. In this mesmerizing image captured by Science Photo Library, we witness the intricate details of this hermaphroditic creature's anatomy as it clings onto its human host's leg. The photograph not only highlights the biological marvels of this annelid species but also emphasizes its role in medical treatments such as phlebotomy and bloodletting. Through this stunning visual representation of nature's wonders and mankind's symbiotic relationship with certain organisms like the medicinal leech, we are reminded once again of how science continues to unravel hidden treasures within our natural world.
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