The correct spelling of the word for a parasitic worm residing in marine fish is Ascaris maritima. The word "Ascaris" is pronounced /əsˈkɛrɪs/ and refers to a genus of roundworms. The term "maritima" is pronounced /mərˈɪtɪmə/ and means "pertaining to the sea." These worms can be harmful to both fish and humans who consume or handle infected fish. Proper spelling and pronunciation of scientific terms are crucial to avoid confusion and miscommunication in the scientific community.
Ascaris maritima is a parasitic roundworm species that belongs to the phylum Nematoda. Commonly known as the marine roundworm, it is primarily found in the marine environment, inhabiting the intestines of various marine mammals, particularly seals and sea lions.
The adult Ascaris maritima worm can reach lengths of up to 30 to 50 centimeters, with females typically being larger than males. It has a cylindrical body covered with a smooth, translucent cuticle. The anterior part of the worm is characterized by a rounded mouth opening, surrounded by three prominent lips, which it uses for feeding and attachment to the intestinal wall of its host.
Like other roundworms, the life cycle of Ascaris maritima involves sexual reproduction. One unique characteristic of this species is that it does not pass through a free-living stage in the soil or water, as is the case with many other roundworms. Instead, the eggs are directly shed into the marine environment through the feces of infected marine mammals.
Ingestion of these eggs by suitable host species, such as seals, is necessary for the development of the larvae. Once ingested, the eggs hatch within the host's stomach, and the larvae penetrate the intestinal wall, migrating to the liver and then to the lungs. After undergoing maturation in the pulmonary capillaries, they travel up the respiratory tract, are swallowed, and return to the intestines, where they develop into sexually mature adults, completing the life cycle.
A species, only once recorded as present in a child.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "Ascaris" originates from the Greek term "askaris" which means "intestinal worm". "Maritima" is from the Latin word "maritimus" which means "marine" or "belonging to the sea". Therefore, "Ascaris maritima" refers to a type of intestinal worm that is found in marine environments or associated with the sea.