MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Hookworm

Medical Encyclopedia

Hookworm - close-up of the organism

This is the mouth part of the hookworm Ancyclostoma duodenale. The hookworm uses sharp, curved cutting plates to attach to the lining of the intestine where it sucks blood for nourishment. (Image courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)

Update Date: 9/28/2008

Updated by: Jatin M. Vyas, PHD, MD, Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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