What is the defense mechanism that a worker bee carries in her abdomen?

A worker bee carries a stinger in her abdomen, which is a modified ovipositor. This stinger is used as a defense mechanism to protect the hive from threats and intruders. When a worker bee stings, it injects venom into the target, which can cause pain and deter predators. However, stinging is often fatal for the bee, as the stinger and associated tissues are left behind, leading to its death shortly after.