Acanthocephala (Noun)
Meaning
Phylum or class of elongated wormlike parasites that live in the intestines of vertebrates: spiny-headed worms.
Classification
Nouns denoting animals.
Examples
- The acanthocephala is a phylum of parasitic worms that infect a wide range of hosts, including fish, birds, and mammals.
- Acanthocephala are characterized by the presence of a distinctive proboscis with retractable spines that they use to attach to the intestinal wall of their host.
- Infection with acanthocephala can cause a range of symptoms, including weight loss, diarrhea, and intestinal blockage.
- The life cycle of acanthocephala typically involves a crustacean intermediate host, which is then ingested by the definitive vertebrate host.
- Acanthocephala have been found in a variety of aquatic environments, including freshwater lakes and marine ecosystems.