Ascaris lumbricoides is a large, cylindrical, parasitic roundworm that belongs to the phylum Nematoda. It is an obligate parasite, meaning it requires a host (humans) to complete its life cycle. Humans are infected by the parasitic nematode Ascaris lumbricoides, also referred to as the gigantic roundworm. It is one of the most widespread parasites in the world, especially in unsanitary areas. This is a thorough examination of its neurological, respiratory, digestive, and excretory systems.
Table of Contents
Ascaris lumbricoides
Digestive System
Ascaris lumbricoides has a simple yet efficient digestive system adapted for its parasitic lifestyle
- Mouth: The worm has a terminal mouth with three lips surrounding it that is furnished with sensory organs to pick up on cues from its surroundings.
- Pharynx (Esophagus):Food is drawn into the digestive tract by the muscular, pump-like pharynx, also known as the esophagus.
- Intestine: A lengthy, straight tube that runs the entire length of the body is the intestine. It has a single layer of epithelial cells lining it and no stomach. Here, digestion and absorption take place.
- Anus: The worm’s posterior end contains the anus, which is used to evacuate waste.
The worm feeds on the host’s partially digested food in the intestines, absorbing nutrients through its intestinal wall.
Respiratory System
It does not have a specialized respiratory system. The giant roundworm Ascaris lumbricoides does not have a specialized breathing system. Rather, it depends on a mechanism tailored to its parasitic existence in the low-oxygen surroundings of the host’s intestines.
Key Points
Absence of Specialized Respiratory Structures
- Lack of Lungs and Gills: Ascaris lumbricoides lacks any specialized respiratory organs, such as lungs or gills, which are necessary for gas exchange in many other organisms.
- No Circulatory System for Oxygen Transport: It also lacks a circulatory system, which is necessary for the proper delivery of oxygen throughout the body in many animals.
Anaerobic Respiration
- Oxygen-Free Energy Production: Anaerobic respiration, which does not require oxygen, is the main energy source for Ascaris lumbricoides. This is appropriate for living in the human gut’s anaerobic environment.
- Glycolysis: The main metabolic process by which energy is produced, glycolysis breaks down glucose to create ATP, the cell’s energy currency.
- Final Products of Fermentation: Lactate and other organic acids could be the byproducts of this anaerobic process.
Gas Exchange by Diffusion
Cutaneous Respiration: Gas exchange happens by simple diffusion via the cuticle, the body’s outermost layer.
Direct Diffusion: Carbon dioxide generated as a metabolic waste diffuses out of the body by the same mechanism as oxygen from the surrounding environment (albeit low in the intestines) diffuses directly through the cuticle into the cells.
Adaptation to Low-Oxygen Environment
- In order to survive in the low-oxygen environment of the host’s intestines, Ascaris lumbricoides depends on anaerobic respiration and diffusion.
- The worm’s metabolic activities are designed to operate with the least amount of oxygen possible, which is necessary for its survival in the anaerobic environment.
Excretory System
Ascaris lumbricoides has an efficient excretory system that is relatively simple in design and removes waste products from the body. The removal of waste items produced during metabolism and the preservation of the internal salt balance depend on this system.
Renette Cells: Excretion is carried out by specialized cells called Renette cells. Waste is gathered by these cells from the bodily cavity.
Excretory Canal: An excretory canal that follows the lateral lines of the worm is connected to the Renette cells.
Excretory Pore: On the ventral side, close to the anterior end, is an excretory pore through which waste is discharged.
Renette cells, excretory canals, and an excretory hole make up the majority of the straightforward yet effective Ascaris lumbricoides excretory system. By eliminating metabolic wastes and controlling the balance of salt and water, this system aids the worm in maintaining internal homeostasis. Because of its efficient excretory system, Ascaris lumbricoides may flourish in the intestines of its hosts, a habitat that is well adapted to its parasitic existence.
Nervous System
The massive roundworm Ascaris lumbricoides has a neural system that is both basic and effective at controlling its movements and reactions. There are two parts to it: the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and the central nervous system (CNS).
- Nerve Ring: The central nervous system is represented by a nerve ring that surrounds the pharynx close to its front end. It functions as a primitive brain.
- Longitudinal Nerve Cords : Dorsal, ventral, and lateral nerve cords extend longitudinally from the nerve ring throughout the body.
- Sensory Structures: The worm can perceive its surroundings thanks to sensory papillae and amphids, which are chemosensory organs, that are located around the mouth.
Conclusion
The fascinating and varied class of bacteria known as Archaea has special characteristics that let them survive in harsh conditions. Their taxonomy and unique traits emphasize their evolutionary relevance, while their practical value is shown by their applications in environmental management, industry, and medicine.
Frequently Asked Question(FAQ)
Define Ascaris lumbricoides ?
Ascaris lumbricoides is a large, cylindrical, parasitic roundworm that belongs to the phylum Nematoda. It is an obligate parasite, meaning it requires a host (humans) to complete its life cycle.
Write in short about excretory system of ascaris lumbricoides?
Ascaris lumbricoides has an efficient excretory system that is relatively simple in design and removes waste products from the body. The removal of waste items produced during metabolism and the preservation of the internal salt balance depend on this system.
What are the two nervous system?
There are two parts to it the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and the central nervous system (CNS).
What is Renette cells
Specialized excretory cells called renette cells are present in some nematodes, such as the enormous roundworm Ascaris lumbricoides. These cells are essential for osmoregulation and the excretion of metabolic waste.
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