How Do You Spell METACERCARIA?

Pronunciation: [mˌɛtəsəkˈe͡əɹi͡ə] (IPA)

Metacercaria is a term used in parasitology to refer to the encysted stage of flukes. The word is pronounced as /ˌmɛtəsərˈkeriə/ and spelled with a combination of Greek and Latin roots. "Meta" means "beyond" or "after" while "cercaria" refers to the larval stage of a fluke. The addition of the "meta-" prefix signifies that the stage comes after the cercaria stage. Correct spelling of terms in parasitology is important to ensure effective communication and accurate diagnosis in the medical field.

METACERCARIA Meaning and Definition

1. Metacercaria, also known as metacercarial cyst or metacercarial stage, is a specialized phase in the life cycle of certain trematode parasites. Trematodes, commonly known as flukes, are a type of flatworm that often infest the internal organs of vertebrates, including humans. The metacercaria is the larval stage that develops from the cercaria, after it has left the molluscan host.

   Metacercariae are typically encapsulated within cysts, which act as a protective barrier against the external environment. These cysts can be found in various tissues of the definitive host, such as muscles, skin, or organs depending on the species of the trematode. The size, shape, and coloration of metacercarial cysts can vary significantly among different species, making them a useful characteristic for distinguishing between trematode infections.

   The main function of the metacercarial stage is to enable the trematode to survive outside of the molluscan host and await ingestion by the suitable definitive host, which may be a mammal, bird, or fish. Once ingested by the definitive host, the metacercaria excysts and develops into the adult worm, completing the life cycle.

   Metacercariae can pose a health risk to humans and other animals as they can cause various diseases, including liver and lung fluke infections. Prevention and control of metacercarial infections often involve measures such as proper cooking of food, adequate sanitation, and the avoidance of contaminated water sources.

Common Misspellings for METACERCARIA

• netacercaria
• ketacercaria
• jetacercaria
• mwtacercaria
• mstacercaria
• mdtacercaria
• mrtacercaria
• m4tacercaria
• m3tacercaria
• meracercaria
• mefacercaria
• megacercaria
• meyacercaria
• me6acercaria
• me5acercaria
• metzcercaria
• metscercaria
• metwcercaria
• metqcercaria
• metaxercaria

Etymology of METACERCARIA

The word "metacercaria" has its roots in Greek.

- The prefix "meta-" means "beyond" or "transcending" in Greek.

- The word "cercaria" comes from the Greek noun "kérkes" meaning "tail" or "worm".

"Metacercaria" refers to the developmental stage of a trematode parasite (a type of flatworm or fluke) that infects certain hosts. In this stage, the parasite has a tail-like structure.

Plural form of METACERCARIA is METACERCARIAS