Earthworm Structure and Function

Vocabulary flashcards detailing the anatomical parts and biological functions of an earthworm.

Anus

Opening where wastes exit body; at end farthest from clitellum

Clitellum

Band of thickened, specialized segments in annelids that secretes a mucus ring into which eggs and sperm are released

Prostomium

the first segment of the worm. upper lip

Setae

Bristle-like structures that help segmented worms move

sperm groove

a pair of shallow grooves that carry sperm from one worm to the seminal receptacles

aortic arches

The heart like pumping organs of earthworms.

crop (earthworm)

stores food

dorsal blood vessel

carries blood toward the head of the earthworm

esophagus (earthworm)

carries food from pharynx to crop; under aortic arches and seminal vesicles

gizzard (earthworm)

grinds up food

intestine (earthworm)

Long tube occupying the majority of the body in which nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream

pharynx (earthworm)

where a mixture of soil and organic matter eaten by the earthworm enters

seminal vesicles (earthworm)

stores worm's own sperm

septa (earthworm)

thin, fleshy partitions between segments

ventral nerve cord (earthworm)

runs length of earthworm's body; connects to ganglia (primative brain)