Taenia Saginata Biology Quiz

Characteristics of Platyhelminthes (Flatworms)

• Flattened dorsoventrally, with some species microscopic and others up to 100 ft long
• Covered by a cytoplasmic tegument, lacking a body cavity
• Digestive system is either absent or rudimentary
• Excretory system contains ciliated cells extending into excretory tubules
• Most species are hermaphroditic, with adult worms reproducing sexually and larvae reproducing asexually

General Characteristics of Tapeworms (Cestodes)

• Utilize more than one host during their life cycle, except for Hymenolepis nana
• Have a ribbon-like shape, made up of many similar segments or proglottids
• Anterior end is the scolex, with a well-developed adhesive organ
• Adult tapeworms inhabit the small intestine of vertebrates, while larvae inhabit tissues of vertebrates and invertebrates
• Tapeworms are hermaphrodites, with both male and female reproductive organs in the same segment

Taenia saginata (Beef Tapeworm)

• Scolex is globular in shape, with 4 muscular suckers and 2 rows of hooks and rostellum
• Strobila consists of 800-1000 proglottides
• Gravid segment is longer than broad, with a median uterus and 7-13 lateral uterine branches
• Eggs are similar to those of Taenia solium
• Larval stage is Cysticercus bovis, an oval, fluid-filled bladder larva with an invaginated unarmed scolex
• Habitat: Upper part of the small intestine of humans
• Pathogenesis: Asymptomatic, but can cause acute intestinal obstruction and anemia
• Diagnosis: Stool examination for eggs or segments

Taenia solium (Pork Tapeworm)

• Scolex is globular in shape, with 4 muscular suckers and 2 rows of hooks and rostellum
• Strobila consists of 1000-2000 proglottides
• Gravid segment is longer than broad, with a median uterus and 7-13 lateral uterine branches
• Egg: Globular or spherical, yellowish-brown, with a hooked ball embryo (oncosphere) with 6 hooks (hexacanth embryo)
• Larval stage: Cysticercus cellulosae, a fluid-filled bladder larva with an armed invaginated scolex
• Habitat: Upper part of the small intestine of humans
• Pathogenesis: Causes Taeniasis or pork tapeworm infection
• Intermediate host: Pigs
• Final host: Humans

Test your knowledge of Taenia Saginata, a parasitic tapeworm, including its life cycle, hosts, and characteristics. Learn about the intermediate and final hosts, larval stages, and egg features.