ACANTHOCEPHALA Meaning and
Definition
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The Acanthocephala, commonly known as thorny-headed worms or spiny-headed worms, is a phylum of parasitic invertebrates that primarily infect the intestines of vertebrate hosts. These organisms are characterized by their unique morphology, with a long, cylindrical body and a distinct proboscis, which is armed with hooks and spines.
Acanthocephalans have a complex life cycle, usually involving two or more hosts. The adult worms inhabit the intestines of their definitive host, which can be a variety of vertebrates such as fish, birds, or mammals. They rely on their proboscis to attach to the intestinal wall and absorb nutrients from their host. Despite being parasites, acanthocephalans rarely cause severe disease in their vertebrate hosts.
The eggs of acanthocephalans are released into the environment through the feces of the definitive host. These eggs are then ingested by intermediate hosts, usually arthropods, such as insects or crustaceans. Inside the intermediate host, the larvae develop and encyst, forming a protective barrier. When the intermediate host is consumed by the definitive host, the cysts are digested, and the larvae are released and mature into adults in the intestines.
Acanthocephalans are an important group of parasites in terms of evolutionary relationships and ecological interactions. Some species have adapted to specific hosts, displaying host-specificity, while others have a broader host range. They can have significant impacts on the health and survival of their host populations, as well as their ecological communities.
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An order of nematode-like entozoa without alimentary canal. Various species are parasites, in the adult stage, of vertebrate animals, the larval stage being passed in invertebrates. They are only exceptionally parasitic in man.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for ACANTHOCEPHALA
- zcanthocephala
- scanthocephala
- wcanthocephala
- qcanthocephala
- axanthocephala
- avanthocephala
- afanthocephala
- adanthocephala
- acznthocephala
- acsnthocephala
- acwnthocephala
- acqnthocephala
- acabthocephala
- acamthocephala
- acajthocephala
- acahthocephala
- acanrhocephala
- acanfhocephala
- acanghocephala
Etymology of ACANTHOCEPHALA
The word "acanthocephala" has its roots in Greek. It is derived from two Greek words: "akantha", meaning "thorn", and "kephale", meaning "head". Hence, "acanthocephala" translates to "thorny-headed" or "spiny-headed". This etymology refers to the characteristic feature of the phylum Acanthocephala, which includes parasitic worms with spiny proboscises on their heads.
Similar spelling words for ACANTHOCEPHALA
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