Helminths Flashcards
What are helminths?
worms
Characteristics of helminths:
multicellular heterotrophs. Micro/macroscopic, have cuticle, and most are harmless
What is a cuticle?
outer covering made of chitin
What are cestodes?
tapeworms, long/flat/simple, attach using scolex
Example: Taenia
What is a scolex?
This is where the worm attaches to its hosts.
What are proglottids?
This is the reproductive part of worm. Has both ovaries and testes.
What are Termatodes?
Worms called flukes. Smaller, complex body structure, and flat bodies.
Differences between cestodes and termatodes?
They are oral suckers, intestines, fluid feeders, and are host/organ specific.
What are anticoagulants?
This is when worms make sure blood stays in fluid state so worms can continue to drink it.
How does the antihelminthic drug Vermox work?
inhibits sugar absorption.
How can worms be used to treat disease?
Allergies, Crohn’s disease, and irritable bowel syndrome.
What is Caenorhabditis elegans?
most famous worm used in scientific studies,
What are vectors?
allow parasite to move from one place to another.
