Roundworms Nematoda

Charateristics

• Pseudocelom- false coelom (with paratenium, and without mesentaries)
• Complete digestive system (mouth and anus)
• Longitudinal musscles for movement, along body
• Parasitic
• Parsitize incsects, alternative to insecticides
• Most are microscopic
• Differeniate species by pharynxes (throat cavity)
• Parasitize humans
  • causes elephantiasis, by blocking lymph vessles causing swelling due to immune responses
  • Pinworm- most children are affected
  • Ascariais (below) tropical parasite
• Pseudocoel fluid
  • transports food
  • transports oxygen and CO2
  • acts as a hydrostatic skeleton

This slide shows a number of living nematodes that are commonly referred to as "vinegar eels" (Turbatrix aceti). These free-living roundworms exist by feeding on bacteria and fungi found in the sediments of nonpasteurized vinegar. When viewed alive, vinegar eels are seen to be in constant motion, using vigorous dorsolateralundulations to propel themselves through the medium.

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