Nematodes

Nematodes are a group of elongated, cylindrical worms with three true tissue layers. They have a pseudocoelom, which is a body cavity that is not completely lined with mesodermal tissues. Nematodes also have a complete digestive tract with a mouth and anus. They exhibit eutely, which means that the number of cells in each species is constant.

Summary

• Nematodes are a group of elongated, cylindrical worms with three true tissue layers.
• They have a pseudocoelom, which is a body cavity that is not completely lined with mesodermal tissues.
• Nematodes also have a complete digestive tract with a mouth and anus.
• They exhibit eutely, which means that the number of cells in each species is constant.

Questions

1. What are the identifying characteristics of the phylum Nematoda?
2. What are the cell types and characteristic structures of nematodes?
3. What is the body organization of nematodes?
4. What is the classification of nematodes?
5. What are the procedures for dissecting a nematode?

Answers

The answers to the questions above are as follows:

1. The identifying characteristics of the phylum Nematoda are:
   * Freeliving and parasitic worms with elongated cylindrical body tapered at both ends
   * Three true tissue layers