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Do Leeches Have Setae?

Alexander Ross • • 7 min read
Do Leeches Have Setae?

All annelids except leeches also have chitinous hair-like structures, called setae, projecting from their cuticle. Sometimes the setae are located on paddle-like appendages called parapodia

parapodia
Parapodia are predominantly found in annelids, where they are paired, un-jointed lateral outgrowths that bear the chaetae. In several groups of sea snails and sea slugs, 'parapodium' refers to lateral fleshy protrusions.
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. Muscles and locomotion: Annelids have two sets of muscles that are used to contract and elongate the body.

What is setae in leeches?

The setae (bristles) on the segments along the body and mucus secreted also aid in this movement. Leeches are of three types -freshwater, terrestrial and marine. Leeches move with the help of the anterior and posterior suckers and longitudinal muscles along the length of the body.

Do leeches have hair?

Leeches are characterized by a nonsegmented prostomium (a section in front of the mouth), 32 segments behind the mouth, absence of chaetal hairs, an anterior (oral) sucker that is typically smaller than the posterior (anal) sucker, and a number of other exterior and interior features.

Alexander Ross
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Alexander Ross

Alexander Ross has covered the video game industry for a decade, writing deep dives on game design, esports tournaments, VR developments, and gaming culture.