Pseudophyllidea

Pseudophyllidea (pronunciation: soo-do-fil-idea) is a subclass of cestodes, commonly known as tapeworms, that are found in various vertebrate hosts.

Etymology

The term 'Pseudophyllidea' is derived from the Greek words 'pseudo', meaning false, and 'phyllon', meaning leaf. This refers to the leaf-like appearance of these tapeworms.

Description

Pseudophyllidean tapeworms are characterized by their elongated, flat bodies, which are divided into a series of segments called proglottids. They possess a scolex, or head, that is equipped with both suckers and tentacles for attachment to the host's intestinal wall. Unlike other tapeworms, pseudophyllideans have a bothria, a type of sucker that is elongated and slit-like.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of Pseudophyllidea involves three hosts. The primary host is usually a fish-eating bird or mammal. The intermediate hosts are typically crustaceans and fish. The eggs are released into the environment through the feces of the primary host. Once ingested by a suitable crustacean, the eggs hatch into larvae, which develop into a stage known as procercoids. When the crustacean is eaten by a fish, the procercoids develop into plerocercoids. The cycle is completed when the fish is consumed by the primary host.

Related Terms

Cestode: A class of parasitic flatworms, commonly known as tapeworms.
Proglottid: The segment of a tapeworm, containing both male and female reproductive organs.
Scolex: The head of a tapeworm, used for attachment to the host.
Bothria: A type of sucker found in pseudophyllidean tapeworms.
Procercoid: The larval stage of pseudophyllidean tapeworms found in the first intermediate host.
Plerocercoid: The larval stage of pseudophyllidean tapeworms found in the second intermediate host.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Pseudophyllidea
Wikipedia's article - Pseudophyllidea

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Pseudophyllidea