Leech Dissection: Step 6

The internal structures are carefully removed, exposing a ventrally located structure called the blood sinus. The blood sinus encases the leech's ventral nerve cord, which is part of its nervous system.

A close-up of the cut-open leech in the dissection dish. Forceps and scissors are being used to remove the leech's internal organs.

A second close-up of the cut-open leech in the dissection dish. Some of the leech's internal organs have been removed, revealing structures on the ventral side of the body cavity. These structures include a dark green line running along the middle of the leech, which is labeled 'sinus.'