Class Cestoda (tapeworms)
Major Attributes:
- Endoparasitic.
- Body is covered by tegument.
- Anterior end is a scolex.
- Body segments called proglottids.
- Hermaphroditic.
Description:
Cestodes are long, flat, ribbon-like organisms
commonly called tapeworms. The head, or scolex, has one or more
hooked suckers for firm attachment to the host. Behind the head
is the neck which is the growing region. The body consists of
segments, each containing reproductive organs. There is no digestive
system. The digested food of the host is absorbed through the
body wall.
Some Interesting Facts:
- Some species can reach lengths of up to fifteen meters.
- Life cycles require one, two or three intermediate hosts.
- Many life cycles involve man and domestic animals.
Some Pertinent Books Found in Lamson Library:
- Schmidt, Gerald D. 1970 The Tapeworms. Wm. C. Brown
Co.
- Wardle, Robert A. and James Archie McLeod. 1968. The Zoology
of Tapeworms. NY: Hafner Publishing Co.
Lab Assignment
- Examine the slides of tapeworms. Draw proglottids that indicate
the differences between mature proglottids and immature proglotids.
- Hanging on to the intestinal wall is an important attribute
of tapeworms. Make a couple of different drawings indicating
the kinds of structures used to anchor tapeworms in the intestinal
wall.
- Examine the slides of hydatid sand and the Echinococcus
granulosus. This parasite can cause serious problems
(Amy S. Berwick, Fall 1994; edited by B. Miller, Spring 1995)