American Society of Hirudotherapy

Functional morphology of the suckers and teeth of the medicinal leech Hirudo verbana Carena, 1820 (Annelida; Clitellata; Hirudinida): A scanning electron microscope study

Research article published in Microsc Res Tech (2021)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Preclinical (animal)Salivary PharmacologyDrug DevelopmentAyhan H et al. · Microsc Res Tech, 2021

Abstract

In this study, the triple jaws and suckers of the leeches belonging to the Hirudo verbana Carena, 1820 (Annelida; Clitellata; Hirudinida) were examined using the stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. In H. verbana, suckers are seen on the first annulus and last annulus of the body. The mouth opens in the center of the front suction cup, and behind this opening is a movable triple jaw apparatus with many teeth. The posterior sucker disc consists of the last seven body segments and lacks an opening. The shape of the jaw is trignatous. The pharynx is equally located around of the three muscular jaws. The jaws are muscular covered with cuticle and carry a row of teeth arranged at the tip. In this study, it was determined that secretory canal holes were identified between the teeth. The results show that the size of teeth determines long-term bleeding so revealing the structure and working mechanism of the teeth has importance for medicinal leeches. At the same time, the difference of teeth and jaw structures of leeches may be a criterion in the classification of medicinal leeches.

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

Publication typeJournal Article
Indexed MeSH termsAnimalsGastrointestinal TractHirudo medicinalisLeechesMicroscopy, Electron, ScanningSuction

Summary

SEM study of Hirudo verbana suckers and triple jaws; secretory canal holes identified between teeth; jaw and teeth structure relevant for medicinal leech classification.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This study examined the triple jaws and suckers of Hirudo verbana Carena, 1820 using stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The authors describe a trignatous jaw apparatus with teeth arranged at the tip, a posterior sucker disc of the last seven body segments, and secretory canal holes identified between the teeth. They report that tooth size determines long-term bleeding and that jaw/tooth structure may serve as a classification criterion for medicinal leeches. The abstract does not mention hirudotherapy, the leech secretome, or therapeutic applications, so no defensible link to ASH's domain can be drawn beyond anatomy of a medicinal leech species. CAVEAT: This is a morphological/taxonomic investigation providing structural observations only; it contains no clinical, therapeutic, efficacy, safety, or secretome-composition data.

Citation

Functional morphology of the suckers and teeth of the medicinal leech Hirudo verbana Carena, 1820 (Annelida; Clitellata; Hirudinida): A scanning electron microscope study.

Ayhan H et al. · Microsc Res Tech, 2021

DOI

Added to ASH library: May 27, 2026 · Site last updated: June 18, 2026

This website provides educational information and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Medicinal leech therapy carries clinically meaningful risks and should be performed only by qualified clinicians under institutionally approved protocols. FDA 510(k) clearance for medicinal leeches is limited to specific indications; investigational and off-label discussions are labeled accordingly. For patient-specific guidance, consult a qualified healthcare provider.