American Society of Hirudotherapy

Functional morphology of suction discs and attachment performance of the Mediterranean medicinal leech

Biomechanics study published in Journal of the Royal Society Interface (2016)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Preclinical (animal)Salivary PharmacologyKampowski T et al. · Journal of the Royal Society, Interface, 2016

Abstract

Medicinal leeches use their suction discs for locomotion, adhesion to the host and, in the case of the anterior disc, also for blood ingestion. The biomechanics of their suction-based adhesion systems has been little understood until now. We investigated the functional morphology of the anterior and posterior suckers ofH irudo verbena by using light and scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, we analysed the adhesion qualitatively and quantitatively by conducting behavioural and mechanical experiments. Our high-speed video analyses provide new insights into the attachment and detachment processes and we present a detailed description of the leech locomotion cycle. Pull-off force measurements of the anterior and posterior suction organs on seven different substrates under both aerial and water-submersed conditions reveal a significant influence of the surrounding medium, the substrate surface roughness and the tested organ on attachment forces and tenacities.

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

Publication typeJournal ArticleResearch Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Indexed MeSH termsAnimal StructuresAnimalsFeeding BehaviorLeechesLocomotion

Summary

Detailed biomechanics of Hirudo verbana suction discs and attachment performance on various substrates — informs leech-application protocol design.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This study examined the functional morphology and attachment biomechanics of the anterior and posterior suction discs of Hirudo verbena using light and scanning electron microscopy, high-speed video, and pull-off force measurements across seven substrates under aerial and submerged conditions. For ASH's domain, understanding how medicinal leeches mechanically adhere to surfaces of varying roughness—and how the surrounding medium influences adhesion—provides foundational biomechanical context for the physical attachment phase of hirudotherapy. The findings document significant effects of medium, substrate roughness, and organ type on attachment forces and tenacities. However, this is a pure biomechanics and morphology study with no examination of salivary secretions, therapeutic outcomes, or clinical application, making its relevance to hirudotherapy indirect.

Citation

Functional morphology of suction discs and attachment performance of the Mediterranean medicinal leech.

Kampowski T et al. · Journal of the Royal Society, Interface, 2016

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.