Trichomonas tenax
Trichomonas tenax
Trichomonas tenax (/trɪˈkɒmənəs tɪˈnæks/) is a species of parasite that primarily inhabits the human oral cavity. It is one of the species of the genus Trichomonas, which is part of the family Trichomonadidae.
Etymology
The name Trichomonas tenax is derived from the Greek words "trichos" meaning hair and "monas" meaning unit, referring to the hair-like flagella that the organism uses for movement. The species name "tenax" is Latin for "tenacious", referring to the organism's ability to adhere to surfaces in the oral cavity.
Description
Trichomonas tenax is a protozoan parasite, characterized by its pear-shaped body and four anterior flagella. It is primarily found in the human oral cavity, particularly in individuals with poor oral hygiene or periodontal disease. It is not typically associated with systemic disease, but can cause oral infections in immunocompromised individuals.
Related Terms
- Protozoa: A group of single-celled organisms, including Trichomonas tenax, that are capable of movement and live in a variety of environments.
- Parasite: An organism that lives on or in a host organism and gets its food from or at the expense of its host.
- Flagella: Whip-like structures that allow cells and unicellular organisms to move.
- Trichomonadidae: A family of flagellated protozoa, which includes the genus Trichomonas.
- Trichomonas: A genus of parasites that includes Trichomonas tenax and Trichomonas vaginalis, the latter of which can cause a sexually transmitted infection.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Trichomonas tenax
- Wikipedia's article - Trichomonas tenax
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