Proglottids
Proglottids
Proglottids (pronunciation: pro-glot-ids) are the segments that make up the body of a tapeworm, a type of parasite. Each proglottid is a reproductive unit, containing both male and female reproductive organs.
Etymology
The term "proglottid" is derived from the Greek words "pro" meaning "before" and "glottis" meaning "tongue". This refers to the position of the proglottids in relation to the head, or scolex, of the tapeworm.
Anatomy
Each proglottid contains a complete set of reproductive organs of both sexes, making them hermaphroditic. As the proglottid matures, it may fertilize itself, or it may exchange sperm with another proglottid. Once fertilization has occurred, the proglottid is filled with eggs.
Life Cycle
The life cycle of a proglottid begins when it is released from the parent tapeworm. The proglottid, filled with eggs, is passed out of the host's body in the feces. If the eggs are ingested by a suitable host, they hatch and the larvae burrow into the host's tissues, where they develop into adult tapeworms.
Related Terms
- Scolex: The head of a tapeworm, which has hooks and suckers to attach to the host's intestine.
- Cestoda: The class of parasitic worms that includes tapeworms.
- Hermaphroditic: An organism that has both male and female reproductive organs.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Proglottids
- Wikipedia's article - Proglottids
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