Fasciola hepatica Overview

What is the phylum of the liver fluke?

What is the genus of the liver fluke?

Which of the following is the primary host of the liver fluke?

Which of the following best describes the shape of the liver fluke's body?

What type of reproductive system does Fasciola possess?

The liver fluke undergoes external fertilization.

What is the larval form of Fasciola called?

Which of the following organs is NOT found in the liver fluke?

How many excretory apertures does the liver fluke have?

Systematic Position

Phylum: Porifera
Class: Trematoda
Order: Digenea
Genus: Fasciola
Species: hepatica

Characters

Digenetic endoparasite, with a life cycle involving two hosts: sheep (primary) and snail (intermediate).
Body structure is soft, flat, and oval; blunt anterior end and tapering posterior end.
Anterior end features a conical oral cone with a small mouth aperture, surrounded by an oral sucker.
Ventral side has a second sucker known as the acetabulum, located behind the oral sucker.
Contains a single gonopore positioned between the oral sucker and acetabulum.
Excretory system is composed of numerous protonephridia or flame cells.
Single excretory aperture located at the extreme posterior end of the body.
Reproduction is sexual; Fasciola is monoecious, containing both male and female reproductive organs within the same individual.

Comments

Internal fertilization occurs through copulation.
Development is indirect, with larvae referred to as miracidium.

Identification

Specimen identified as Fasciola based on its defining characteristics.

Explore the systematic position and anatomical features of Fasciola hepatica. This quiz delves into the life cycle, reproductive methods, and structural characteristics of this digenetic endoparasite. Perfect for students in biology or parasitology courses.