cestodes

• What subkingdom and phylum are cestodes classified under?

  Metazoa, Platyhelminthes
• What systems do cestodes lack?

  Digestive and nervous systems
• What is the outer surface of cestodes called?

  Tegument
• What are cestodes commonly known as?

  Tapeworms
• What are the three distinct regions of a tapeworm?

  Head, neck, body
• What is the function of the scolex in cestodes?

  Attachment to the host
• What is the fleshy extension of the scolex called?

  Rosellum
• How is the body of a tapeworm structured?

  Divided into multiple segments called proglottids
• What is a series of proglottids called?

  Strobila
• What reproductive capability do proglottids have?

  They are hermaphroditic and self-fertilizing
• What is a pregnant proglottid?

  A proglottid capable of laying eggs
• What is the function of the neck in a tapeworm?

  Connects head to body and allows growth
• Where are the oldest proglottids found in a tapeworm?

  At the most distal part of the body
• What are the three stages of a tapeworm's life cycle?

  Egg, larva, adult worm
• What is the first larval stage of a tapeworm called?

  Oncosphere
• What enables the oncosphere to pierce the intestinal wall?

  Small hooks called hooklets
• How are tapeworm eggs transmitted to intermediate hosts?

  Excreted in feces of infected hosts
• How do humans acquire tapeworm infections?

  By ingesting undercooked or raw flesh
• What happens to ingested larvae in the human intestines?

  They transform into adult worms
• What occurs after the gravid segment ruptures?

  Eggs are released in the intestines
• What is the treatment for adult tapeworms?

  Praziquantel
• What is the definitive host for Taenia saginata?

  Humans
• What is the intermediate host for Taenia saginata?

  Cattle
• How do Taenia saginata eggs develop in cattle?

  They enter blood vessels and develop into cysticerci
• How are humans infected by Taenia saginata?

  By ingesting improperly cooked beef
• How long can Taenia saginata grow?

  Up to 10 meters
• How can Taenia saginata and Taenia solium be differentiated?

  By their scolex appearance and proglottid structure
• What is the shape of Taenia saginata proglottids?

  Rectangular
• How many uterine branches does Taenia saginata have?

  15-30 uterine branches
• What is the disease caused by Taenia saginata?

  Taeniasis
• What symptoms may occur with high worm burden in Taeniasis?

  Diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss
• What is pruritus ani?

  Itchiness in the anal region
• How is Taeniasis diagnosed?

  Examination of fecal specimens
• What is the prevention method for Taeniasis?

  Proper cooking of beef
• What is the intermediate host for Taenia solium?

  Pigs
• How can humans become infected with Taenia solium?

  By ingesting undercooked pork
• What are the two infective stages of Taenia solium?

  Eggs and larvae
• What happens when Taenia solium eggs are ingested?

  They hatch and burrow into the intestines
• What is cysticercosis?

  Larval encystation in various tissues
• What is neurocysticercosis?

  Cysticercosis of the brain