spiny-headed worm
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A parasitic worm belonging to the phylum Acanthocephala, characterized by living in the intestines of vertebrates and having a retractable, hook-covered proboscis used for attachment to the host's intestinal wall.
Usage
The term "spiny-headed worm" is a common name used in parasitology and zoology to describe these specific intestinal parasites. It is typically used in scientific, veterinary, or educational contexts.
Examples
- The biologist studied the life cycle of the spiny-headed worm found in the fish.
- An infection by a spiny-headed worm can cause significant damage to the host's digestive tract.
- Under the microscope, the spiny-headed worm's proboscis was clearly visible.
Advanced Usage
- The term is often used interchangeably with the taxonomic group name "Acanthocephala" in less formal scientific writing.
- The phylum Acanthocephala, commonly known as spiny-headed worms, contains several hundred species.
Variants and Related Words
- Acanthocephalan (n.): The formal scientific term for a spiny-headed worm.
- Acanthocephalans are characterized by their spiny proboscis.
- Proboscis (n.): The elongated, hook-covered feeding and attachment organ that defines these worms.
Synonyms
- Thorny-headed worm (an alternative common name).
Notes on Meaning
The definition refers specifically to the entire organism. The name derives from the distinctive, retractable proboscis (a trunk-like structure) at the worm's anterior end, which is covered in rows of small, recurved hooks or spines that anchor the parasite to the host's intestine.
Noun
- any of various worms living parasitically in intestines of vertebrates having a retractile proboscis covered with many hooked spines