Leech Digestive System
Leeches are worm-like organisms that feed on the blood of other animals. They are commonly found in freshwater ponds or lakes, however you can also find terrestrial leeches on the mountaintops in Japan or South America. They have two mouth, one on each end of its body. Each lined with three angular teeth which penetrate its prey in a Y shape. After that it latches its body on and starts to suck the blood out of the animal.
Steps in which the Leech digests its food:
- Latches onto its prey and bites.
- Injects a blood thinning solution which stimulates an increase in blood flow into the leech.
- Blood flows through the esophagus and into the bladder.
- Enzymes chemically tear the bonds of the amino acids in the blood and convert them into energy.