CLASS CESTODA

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Scolex, head end of a cestod                                                                 Proglottids- reproductive segments of cestods
 

• Commonly known as tapeworms
• Parasitic to almost all known vertebrates
• Head end called a scolex which may have hooks to attach to hosts intestine
• Body consists of long chain of segments called proglottids with each segment having entire reproductive units on them.
• Can produce up to 600 million zygotes in one year!
• Lack digestive organs; absorb directly into body wall
• Complex life cycle
• Can infect humans; most common are beef tapeworm, pork tapeworm, and fish tapeworm.  These names come from the fact that these are the intermediate host for the tapeworm.  All are passed from eating poorly cooked meat.

Phylum Platyhelminthes                                       Main HomePage   Phyla HomePage