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THe leech is one of the annelids, or segmented worms. They are blood-sucking, external parasites with suckers at both ends. They live in fresh water, and attack both cold-blooded and warm-blooded animals. Medical applications: for varicose veins and rheumatic diseases, and to regulate blood flow in the case of limb grafting (e.g. re-attached fingers). The leech produces the anticoagulant agent hirudin.