Introduction to Nematodes Flashcards
Nematoda
All round worms (cylindrical) of animal/human parasitology importance
Body Morphology
Cylindrical; pseudocoelum Simple digestive system Simple excretory system Simple nervous system Simple reproductive system
Cuticle
covering of the body of the worm; should have close-set circular striations; very tough
Internal leaf crowns
inside rim of mouth opening
External leaf crowns
on the rim itself
Cervical papillae
in esophageal region; paired
Caudal papillae
near the tail; paired
Prebursal papillae
just anterior to bursa
cephalic vesicles
cuticle inflated around mouth opening
Cervical Vesicles
cuticle inflated in the esophageal region
Alae
flattened expansions of cuticle
Bursa alae
caudal alae (flattened expansions of cuticle) have become elongated lobes in the male; function in reproduction. Caudal papillae elongated to support them are called bursal rays
Digestive system of nematode
tubular; floats in fluid-filled body cavity
Mouth opening of nematode
Called stoma
Can be surrounded by 1) 2-3 lips
2) leaf crowns
Blades, cutting plates, or teeth may be present
Purpose of knowing esophagus shapes
Shapes help to identify nematodes, especially larvae
Not commonly done in a typical practice
Filariform (esophagus shape)
simple, posterior diameter slightly greater than anterior diameter
Rhabditiform (esophagus shape)
anterior and posterior swellings
Bulb-shaped (esophagus shape)
large posterior swelling
Double-bulb-shaped (esophagus shape)
bulb constricted behind its middle
Trichuroid (esophagus shape)
fine lumen; appears to pass through a single column of cells
Intestine description
simple tube leading from esophagus
Anus description
usually near the posterior end, has cuticular lining
Excretory system
Very primitive
Collecting tubules end at mid-ventral excretory pore, in esophageal region
Female reproductive system
Organs single or double
Ovary, oviduct, uterus, vagina, vulva
Eggs or 1st stage larvae passed from vulva
Some have ovijectors just before vulva that hold and eject eggs
Vulva may be covered by cuticular vulvar flap