Department of Zoology at ANDC/Zoology Museum/Museum specimens/Nemathelminthes/Ascaris

{|cellpadding="5" cellspacing="5" style="width:100%;background:#CCCCFF; border-style:solid; border-width:3px; border-color:#013220;" {|width="100%" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="5" style="vertical-align:top;background-color:#66CDAA" !  Ascaris lumbricoides
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{|cellpadding="5" cellspacing="6" style="width:100%;background:#FFFFFF; border-style:solid; border-width:3px; border-color:#0066FF;" Date & Time : 28, August 2024      
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=Systematic Position=

Phylum: Nemathelminthes

Class: Phasmidia

Genus: Ascaris

Species: lumbricoides

Common Name: Giant Round worm

=Habit and habitat=

Ascaris is an endoparasite and lives in the small intestine of man.

=Distribution=

Ascaris lumbricoides is one of the most common nematodes distributed throughout the world affecting more than one billion people. These are more prevalent in areas with warm and moist climates. Infection is most common in tropical and subtropical areas especially in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene. Though, it is very common in India, the incidence of infection is the highest in Korea and Phillipines.

=Identifying Features=


 * Body is elongated, cylindrical and pointed at both the ends.


 * Body surface is marked with 4 longitudinal lines namely - mid-dorsal line, mid ventral line and two lateral lines.


 * Mouth is provided with two types of lips; median dorsal lip, and submedian ventral lips.


 * Lips have special sensory receptors called papillae and amphids. These are chemoreceptive in function which detects the chemical nature of food.


 * Sexes are separate and sexual dimorphism is well-marked.


 * Male has three openings while female has four openings.


 * Male has a pair of penial setae arising from its cloaca.



Ascaris lumbricoides - Male and Female