Earthworm Anatomy

The __________ muscles help lengthen the earthworm's body by contracting around its circumference.

Circular

The __________ muscles contract to shorten the earthworm’s body.

Longitudinal

The __________ filters nitrogenous waste from the coelomic fluid.

Nephridium

The main nerve cord running along the belly side of the worm is called the __________.

Ventral nerve cord

The __________ is the body cavity where internal organs are suspended.

Coelom

The blood vessel running along the top (dorsal side) is the __________.

Dorsal blood vessel

The hollow space inside the intestine is known as the __________.

Lumen of intestine

The bristle-like structures that aid in anchoring are called __________.

Setae

The five muscular vessels that encircle the esophagus and pump blood are the __________.

Hearts (aortic arches)

The __________ ganglion functions as the earthworm's brain.

Suprapharyngeal

Sperm mature inside the __________ vesicles.

Seminal

The __________ is the fleshy lobe just in front of the mouth.

Prostomium

The fold inside the intestine that increases surface area is the __________.

Typhlosole

The __________ receptacles store sperm received during mating.

Seminal

Food is temporarily stored in the __________ before grinding.

Crop

The __________ is the organ that grinds food with muscular walls.

Gizzard

Liquid waste exits the body through the __________.

Nephridiopore

The outer body covering that prevents dehydration is the __________.

Epidermis

The __________ and blood vessels work together in each segment for nerve and nutrient transmission.

Nerve collar

Earthworm __________ are located near the crop and produce eggs.

Ovaries