Tapeworm. Light micrograph of the scolex (head- like structure) of a parasitic tapeworm Taenia pisiformis. The scolex carries apical hooks and suckers (circular), by which the worm attaches itself to the intestines of its host, in this case hares and rabbits. Tapeworms feed on the digestive juices and half-digested food of their hosts. They have no digestive system, but are able to absorb fluids directly through the entire surface of their skin. The scolex grows a chain-like strobila (not seen here) up to 2m long which consists of egg-carrying units called proglottides; these break off and pass out of the host to be consumed by a new victim. Magnification: x13 at 35mm size.