European medicinal leech

annelid

Also known as: Hirudo medicinalis

Learn about this topic in these articles:

In leech
…the body tissues of the European medicinal leech (Hirudo medicinalis), is used to prevent blood clots following surgery; another chemical isolated from Amazonian leeches is used to dissolve existing blood clots.
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In annelid: Importance
The European species Hirudo medicinalis formerly was exported throughout the world, and native species also were used. Hirudin, an extract from leeches, is used as a blood anticoagulant.
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In leeching
…for this purpose is the European medicinal leech, Hirudo medicinalis, an aquatic segmented worm whose bloodsucking capabilities once made it a valuable commercial item.
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