Dictionary > Ascaris lumbricoides

Ascaris lumbricoides

Definition
noun
A parasitic roundworm of humans, generally dwelling in the intestines of human host
Supplement
Ascaris lumbricoides is a parasitic gut-dwelling nematode worm of humans and it poses major medical significance. The species causes human ascariasis. The larva can migrate through the body and cause obstruction, inflammation, and tissue damage. For instance, the larvae may migrate to lungs and cause lung inflammation. This condition may lead to Loeffler’s syndrome, which is a disease wherein the eosinophils accumulate in the lung in response to a parasitic infection. Another possible effect of severe A. lumbricoides infection is intestinal blockage. The large number of roundworms in the intestines results in the entanglement of the roundworms forming a bolus. The bolus, in turn, may block the intestine. This condition may lead to torsion and gangrene of the affected intestine and therefore may necessitate surgical removal of the roundworm bolus.
The species is regarded as the largest roundworm. The males are typically 2 – 4 mm in diameter and 15-31 cm in length. The females are generally 3 – 6 mm in diameter and 20 – 49 cm in length.
Word origin: Greek askarís (“an intestinal worm”)
Scientific classification:

  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Nematoda
  • Class: Secernentea
  • Order: Ascaridida
  • Family: Ascarididae
  • Genus: Ascaris
  • Species: Ascaris lumbricoides (Linnaeus, 1758)

See also:

  • ascarid
  • ascariasis
  • Ascaris suum

You will also like...

Plant Auxins
Plant Auxins – Phototropism & Geotropism

Plants produce hormones to regulate their growth. Auxins, for instance, influence plant growth. Know the role of auxin i..

An artistic depiction of a human embryo
Growth and Development of a Human Baby

Upon fertilization, a zygote forms and develops into an embryo. This tutorial elaborates on the growth and development f..

Fossil trilobite imprint in the sediment
Insects

There are more species of insects than any other species combined. This surely illustrates that insects have the selecti..

Neurology of Illusions
Neurology of Illusions

Illusions are the perceptions and sensory data obtained from situations in which human error prevents us from seeing the..

Carbohydrates, fats and proteins - dietary sources
A Balanced Diet – Carbohydrates and Fat

Apart from vitamins, the human body also requires high energy sources such as carbohydrates and fats. If you want an ove..

Genetic engineering
Genetic Engineering Advantages & Disadvantages

This tutorial presents the benefits and the possible adverse eventualities of genetic engineering. Know more about this ..

Related Articles...

No related articles found

See all Related Topics