General characteristics of enterobius Vermicularis about respiration,reproduction and about size range
Enterobius vermicularis is a small, white, nematode parasitic helminth that infects humans, particularly children. It is commonly known as the pinworm. The following are its general characteristics:
Respiration: Enterobius vermicularis does not have lungs or specialized respiratory structures as it obtains oxygen through its body surface.
Reproduction: Female worms lay thousands of eggs per day in the area, which causes severe itching. The eggs are then transmitted to other hosts through direct or indirect contact.
Size range: Adult females of Enterobius vermicularis measure about 8-13 mm long and 0.4-0.7 mm wide, while adult males measure about 2.5-5 mm long and 0.1-0.2 mm wide. The eggs typically measure about 50-60 μm by 20-30 μm.
Enterobius vermicularis, commonly known as the pinworm, is a small parasitic roundworm that primarily infects the large intestine of humans. Here are some general characteristics of Enterobius vermicularis regarding respiration, reproduction, and size range:
1. Respiration:
- Enterobius vermicularis, being an intestinal parasite, does not have a specialized respiratory system. They do not possess lungs or gills. Instead, they absorb oxygen through their outer body covering called cuticle.
- The cuticle of pinworms is thin and allows for gas exchange to occur by diffusion. Oxygen from the environment is absorbed, while carbon dioxide, a waste product, diffuses out.
2. Reproduction:
- Enterobius vermicularis is known for its unique reproductive cycle. The adult female pinworms migrate to the area at night and lay their eggs in the perianal region.
- The female pinworm releases thousands of eggs in a sticky substance, known as eggs glue, which causes itchiness and discomfort.
- The eggs are then spread to the environment through scratching or touching contaminated surfaces. The eggs are infectious within a few hours.
- After ingestion by a new host, the pinworm eggs hatch in the small intestine, and the larvae mature in the large intestine.
- The female pinworms mate with males, and the fertilized female worms migrate to the anus to lay eggs, completing the life cycle.
3. Size range:
- Adult pinworms are small and measure approximately 8-13 millimeters (mm) in length.
- The male worms are shorter, averaging about 2-5 mm, whereas the female worms are longer, measuring around 9-13 mm.
- The diameter of both male and female pinworms is typically less than 0.5 mm.
It is important to note that the information provided here represents the general characteristics of Enterobius vermicularis. However, for more precise and detailed information, it is advisable to consult scientific sources or medical professionals.