Biomphalaria
Biomphalaria
Biomphalaria (pronounced: bio-m-fa-lar-ia) is a genus of air-breathing freshwater snails, aquatic pulmonate gastropod mollusks in the family Planorbidae, the ram's horn snails and their allies.
Etymology
The term "Biomphalaria" is derived from the Greek words "bios" meaning life and "mphalos" meaning navel, referring to the umbilicate shape of the shell of these snails.
Description
Biomphalaria snails are small, with a shell diameter of usually less than 15 mm. They are characterized by their sinistral (left-coiling) shells, which are planispiral, meaning they are coiled in one plane. The shells are usually thin and translucent, and the body of the snail can be seen through the shell.
Distribution and Habitat
Biomphalaria snails are found in freshwater habitats in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. They are particularly common in Africa, South America, and the Caribbean.
Medical Significance
Biomphalaria snails are of significant medical importance as they are intermediate hosts for the parasitic flatworm Schistosoma mansoni, which causes schistosomiasis, a disease that affects millions of people in developing countries.
Related Terms
- Planorbidae: The family of air-breathing freshwater snails to which Biomphalaria belongs.
- Schistosoma mansoni: A species of parasitic flatworm that uses Biomphalaria snails as intermediate hosts.
- Schistosomiasis: A disease caused by Schistosoma mansoni, which uses Biomphalaria snails as intermediate hosts.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Biomphalaria
- Wikipedia's article - Biomphalaria
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