Number of gravid proglottides expelled out at one time is

Options

A. `4-5`
B. `5-10`
C. `10-20`
D. `20-40`

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Structure of Taenia solium**:
- Taenia solium, commonly known as the pork tapeworm, is an endoparasite that resides in the intestines of humans. It has a complex structure that includes three main parts: the scolix (head), the neck, and the strobila (body).

2. **Identifying Proglottids**:
- The strobila consists of segments called proglottids. These proglottids can be categorized into three types:
- Immature proglottids (closest to the neck)
- Mature proglottids
- Gravid proglottids (which contain fertilized eggs or capsules).

3. **Gravid Proglottids**:
- Gravid proglottids are the segments that contain mature zygotes. They are the ones that are expelled from the tapeworm.

4. **Number of Gravid Proglottids Expelled**:
- At one time, the tapeworm expels approximately 4 to 5 gravid proglottids. This process is known as apolysis or apoptosis.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, the answer to the question regarding the number of gravid proglottids expelled at one time is **4 to 5**.

**Final Answer**: 4 to 5

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