Glossary of Terms for Platyhelminthes
This text provides a glossary of terms related to the phylum Platyhelminthes, which includes flatworms. The terms are organized into categories such as anatomy, reproduction, and locomotion.
Anatomy
Flatworms are characterized by their bilateral symmetry, flattened body, and lack of a true coelom. They have a distinct head with a concentration of sense organs, and a central nervous system. They also have an extensively developed third layer of cells (mesoderm).
Reproduction
Most flatworms are hermaphroditic, meaning that they have both male and female reproductive organs. They can reproduce sexually or asexually.
Locomotion
Free-living flatworms move by gliding, swimming, or crawling. Parasitic flatworms are typically sessile, meaning that they do not move.