Characteristics and Life Cycles of Cestodes

These flashcards cover key concepts related to cestodes, their life cycles, anatomical features, and treatment options.

Cestodes

A class of flatworms commonly known as tapeworms, characterized by their lack of a mouth and digestive system.

Scolex

The anterior attachment organ of a tapeworm, equipped with sucking disks or hooks to anchor to the host's intestinal wall.

Proglottid

Segmented portions of a tapeworm's body that contain male and female reproductive organs.

Strobilation

The asexual process of forming segments (proglottids) in tapeworms, occurring behind the scolex.

Gravid Proglottid

A mature proglottid filled with eggs that is ready to detach from the strobila and exit the host.

Pseudophyllidea

An order of tapeworms characterized by a scolex with bothria and a complex life cycle involving multiple hosts.

Cyclophyllidea

An order of tapeworms characterized by a scolex with four suckers and a simpler life cycle typically involving two hosts.

Hexacanth Larva

The larval form of some cestodes that possesses six hooks, emerging from eggs and infecting hosts.

Cysticercus

A larval stage of tapeworms that can cause infections when ingested, found in undercooked meat.

Praziquantel

A medication used to treat tapeworm infections, causing paralysis in the worms.