The Endocrine System of the Leech
The leech is different than others in the Annelid Phylum because it is a hermaphrodite, or an organism with female and male reproductive organs. The reproduction process occurs when two mates excrete sperm, which is received by the seminal receptors of both mates. This is where the fertilization process begins. The embryo is developed in a cocoon produced from the skin of the leech.
The cocoon is created by the pituitary gland in the endocrine system, which sends hormones to another gland to produce a viscid sac. The viscid sac is a liquid substance that holds the embryo and allows embryonic development. The cocoon is created by a segment of the leech's epidermis, or skin, called the Clitellum. This process happens when the leech is sexually aggravated by a mate. This entire process is very similar to the reproduction process of the clam worm, apart from the fact that the leech is a hermaphrodite.
The leech is different than others in the Annelid Phylum because it is a hermaphrodite, or an organism with female and male reproductive organs. The reproduction process occurs when two mates excrete sperm, which is received by the seminal receptors of both mates. This is where the fertilization process begins. The embryo is developed in a cocoon produced from the skin of the leech.
The cocoon is created by the pituitary gland in the endocrine system, which sends hormones to another gland to produce a viscid sac. The viscid sac is a liquid substance that holds the embryo and allows embryonic development. The cocoon is created by a segment of the leech's epidermis, or skin, called the Clitellum. This process happens when the leech is sexually aggravated by a mate. This entire process is very similar to the reproduction process of the clam worm, apart from the fact that the leech is a hermaphrodite.