Nematoda: Characteristics, Examples, Classification & FAQs

Nematoda

Frequently Asked Questions

1.0Introduction

The body of members is circular in cross section and tapering at both ends, without segmentation. So also called Roundworms.

Habit and habitat - Nematodes are found everywhere, they may be free living (aquatic and terrestrial) or parasites in plants and animals.

Shape - They have a worm shaped long, cylindrical body with tapering ends.

Symmetry - Bilateral.

Germ layers – All three primary germ layers are present so animals are triploblastic.

Level of organisation - Organ-system level.

2.0Body Wall

The body wall consists of:

Cuticle - Non-living, thick, and resistant to digestive enzymes of the host.

Epidermis - Syncytial i.e. a continuous layer of cytoplasm having scattered nuclei.

Muscle layer - Only longitudinal muscle fibres present.

They are pseudocoelomate animals, body cavity is there between body wall and digestive tract which is not lined by mesodermal epithelium i.e. Pseudocoel.

The skeleton is absent but fluid pressure in the pseudocoelom maintains body shape. It is called Hydro skeleton.

4.0Respiration and Excretion

Respiration is through the body surface by diffusion.

The circulatory system is absent.

The excretory system is H-shaped (Renette cell) and consists of excretory canals (Protonephridia) which removes body wastes from the body cavity through excretory pore.

They develop from an embryonic "Renette cell". Excretory matter is ammonia.

1.0Introduction

The body of members is circular in cross section and tapering at both ends, without segmentation. So also called Roundworms.

Habit and habitat - Nematodes are found everywhere, they may be free living (aquatic and terrestrial) or parasites in plants and animals.

Shape - They have a worm shaped long, cylindrical body with tapering ends.

Symmetry - Bilateral.

Germ layers – All three primary germ layers are present so animals are triploblastic.

Level of organisation - Organ-system level.

2.0Body Wall

The body wall consists of:

Cuticle - Non-living, thick, and resistant to digestive enzymes of the host.

Epidermis - Syncytial i.e. a continuous layer of cytoplasm having scattered nuclei.

Muscle layer - Only longitudinal muscle fibres present.

They are pseudocoelomate animals, body cavity is there between body wall and digestive tract which is not lined by mesodermal epithelium i.e. Pseudocoel.

The skeleton is absent but fluid pressure in the pseudocoelom maintains body shape. It is called Hydro skeleton.

4.0Respiration and Excretion

Respiration is through the body surface by diffusion.

The circulatory system is absent.

The excretory system is H-shaped (Renette cell) and consists of excretory canals (Protonephridia) which removes body wastes from the body cavity through excretory pore.

They develop from an embryonic "Renette cell". Excretory matter is ammonia.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Nematodes?

What type of body cavity do nematodes have?

How do nematodes reproduce?

Are all nematodes parasitic?

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Nematodes?

What type of body cavity do nematodes have?

How do nematodes reproduce?

Are all nematodes parasitic?

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Nematoda

1.0Introduction

2.0Body Wall

3.0Digestive System

4.0Respiration and Excretion

5.0Nervous System and Reproduction

6.0Examples

On this page

Join ALLEN!

Nematoda

1.0Introduction

2.0Body Wall

3.0Digestive System

4.0Respiration and Excretion

5.0Nervous System and Reproduction

6.0Examples

On this page