The helminths are invertebrates characterized by elongated, flat or round bodies. In medically oriented schemes the flatworms or platyhelminths (platy from the Greek root meaning “flat”) include flukes and tapeworms. Roundworms are nematodes (nemato from the Greek root meaning “thread”).
How are nematodes classified?
Like many other organisms in kingdom Animalia (also referred to as metazoa) nematodes are eukaryotic, multicellular organisms that obtain nutrients from organic sources. Nematodes/roundworms make up the phylum Nematoda.
What are the two types of nematodes?
The two primary classes in phylum Nematoda are Enoplea and Chromadorea. Both classes consist of free-living and parasitic worms that live in a wide variety of habitats. They are distinguished from each other through anatomical features.
Which helminths are tapeworms?
Helminth is a general term for a parasitic worm. The helminths include the Platyhelminthes or flatworms (flukes and tapeworms) and the Nematoda or roundworms.
Which group includes tapeworms?
Phylum Platyhelminthes (the platyhelminths) are flatworms. This group includes the flukes, tapeworms, and the turbellarians, which include planarians. The flukes and tapeworms are medically important parasites (Figure 2).
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