Heligmosomoides adult in situ

This nematode is somewhat unusual in that it attaches to the host's intestine using coils of its body to grip portions of the mucosa. This worm is a male. Its posterior end is waving free into the lumen (available to any nearby female) and its anterior end is towards the mucosal surface (where it can feed.) These worms live in the most anterior regions of the intestine, adjacent to the pylorus, which is a region subject to strong peristaltic forces and requiring excellent attachment capabilities to avoid being dislodged.