ACANTHOCEPHALAN Meaning and
Definition
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An acanthocephalan is a parasitic worm belonging to the phylum Acanthocephala. These organisms are commonly known as spiny-headed worms or thorny-headed worms due to their distinctive appearance. Acanthocephalans are characterized by their elongated, cylindrical body covered in numerous spines or hooks, which they use to attach themselves to the intestines of their host organisms.
These parasites have a complex life cycle that typically involves two hosts. The adult acanthocephalans reside in the intestines of vertebrate hosts such as fish, birds, or mammals, where they feed on the host's partially digested food. After reproduction, the female produces eggs, which are then excreted by the host. The eggs are ingested by intermediate hosts, such as aquatic invertebrates, where they develop into larvae known as acanthor. When the intermediate host is ingested by a suitable definitive host, the acanthor penetrates the gut wall and migrates to the intestine, where it matures into an adult worm.
Acanthocephalans can cause harm to their hosts, leading to reduced growth, weakened immune responses, and even death in severe cases. In some cases, they can also serve as vectors for other pathogens, further exacerbating the negative impact on the host. Parasitologists study acanthocephalans to understand their biology, ecology, and potential control measures, as they represent a significant health concern in several animal species.
In summary, an acanthocephalan refers to a spiny-headed worm that infects vertebrates and shows adaptations for their parasitic lifestyle.
Common Misspellings for ACANTHOCEPHALAN
- zcanthocephalan
- scanthocephalan
- wcanthocephalan
- qcanthocephalan
- axanthocephalan
- avanthocephalan
- afanthocephalan
- adanthocephalan
- acznthocephalan
- acsnthocephalan
- acwnthocephalan
- acqnthocephalan
- acabthocephalan
- acamthocephalan
- acajthocephalan
- acahthocephalan
- acanrhocephalan
- acanfhocephalan
- acanghocephalan
Etymology of ACANTHOCEPHALAN
The word "acanthocephalan" is derived from the Greek roots "akantha" meaning "spine" and "kephale" meaning "head". In Greek mythology, Acantha was a nymph who was transformed into a thorny plant, referring to the spiny nature of the parasites in this phylum. "Acanthocephalus" is the genus name of the first described species belonging to this group, leading to the term "acanthocephalan" being used to refer to all organisms within the phylum Acanthocephala.
Similar spelling words for ACANTHOCEPHALAN
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