Demodex
Demodex
Demodex (pronunciation: /dɛˈmɒdɛks/) is a genus of tiny mites that live in or near hair follicles of mammals. Around 65 species of Demodex are known. Two species live on humans: Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis, both frequently referred to as eyelash mites.
Etymology
The name "Demodex" derives from Greek dēmos (fat) and dēx (woodworm). It was first described by Simon in 1842.
Description
Demodex mites are elongated mites with clear segmentation that separates the head and thorax from the abdomen. Their body is covered with scales for anchoring itself in the hair follicle, and the mite has pin-like mouth-parts for eating skin cells and oils which accumulate in the hair follicles. The life span of a Demodex mite is several weeks.
Related Terms
- Mite: A small arthropod belonging to the class Arachnida and the subclass Acari.
- Hair Follicle: A mammalian skin organ that produces hair.
- Demodex folliculorum: A type of Demodex mite that lives in the hair follicles of humans.
- Demodex brevis: Another type of Demodex mite that lives in the sebaceous glands of humans.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Demodex
- Wikipedia's article - Demodex
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