Ascaris (Male and Female) - Diagram

In the human small intestine, this pathogen extends for more than 30 cm. Humans serve as both the ascaris natural host and as its infection reservoir. Ascaris is one of the pathogens which can easily travel inside the human body and can reproduce and cause infection. It has some serious consequences like diarrhoea and dehydration if the infection remains and is treated for a longer duration of time. Being part of Animal Kingdom chapter class 11th Biology it becomes one of the important topics to cover from an exam perspective.

Ascaris

Ascaris infection is thought to occur anywhere. There are thought to be more than two billion infected individuals. Southeast Asia and Africa are also affected by this widespread virus. The sickness must be brought on by the ascaris larva and adult form, which are dispersed and reside in the small intestine. The human gut serves as a source of sustenance for the ascaris, which develop over time.

The worm that lives in the intestines, is termed to be as Ascaris lumbricoides. It commonly belongs to the animal kingdom and shows all the properties of a roundworm.

Morphological and Anatomical Features of Male and Female Ascaris

Ascaris is a genus of parasitic nematode worms that can infect humans and other animals. Here are some of the key morphological and anatomical features of Ascaris:

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Types of Ascariasis

There are two different types of ascariasis:

Intestinal ascariasis :

• There are many different symptoms of this type of ascariasis, including vomiting and gas.

• Symptoms also include weight loss and diarrhoea.

• Malabsorption of food can also be observed in this type of ascariasis.

• Sometimes it is also observed that growth retardation occurs as well. Nausea is the main symptom that is followed in this type of ascariasis.

Pulmonary Ascariasis:

• In this type of ascariasis fever that is persistently high is one of the major symptoms that can be seen within a few hours of infection.

Mode of infection of Ascaris lumbricoides

Infection occurs by swallowing fully developed Ascaris eggs covered with shells. These eggs are consumed with raw vegetables and by drinking water contaminated with roundworms. This worm can go straight to the mouth with the dirty fingers dipped in the soil. The risk of ascariasis is observed more often in children than in adults. The infection takes place through contaminated food, uncooked food and raw food. It can also be spread through canned food.

Incubation period of Ascaris lumbricoides

It takes Ascaris lumbricoides between 60 and 75 days to infect a man. This incubation period begins at the point of infection exposure and lasts until the mature female lays her eggs and symptoms can be seen. This is the time when it multiplies and causes disease.

Tips, Tricks, and Strategies for Ascaris Male and Female

It takes effort to remember everything in a single go. We made the entire problem easy. Some of the tricks regarding Ascaris Male and Female are given below which you can use to memorise the important points.

General Characteristics of Ascaris

"LCS: Length, Color, Shape"

• L: Length varies; males are shorter (15-30 cm) while females are longer (20-40 cm).

• C: Color is yellowish-pink when newly excreted, changing to white over time.

• S: Shape is elongated and cylindrical, with tapered anterior and rounded posterior ends.

Male Ascaris Features

"TCST: Tail, Coiled, Size, Testis"

• T: The tail is curved, which is a distinguishing feature.

• C: Coiled reproductive system that includes two testes and a spicule for mating.

• S: Smaller in diameter (3-4 mm) compared to females.

• T: Typically has a less complex reproductive structure.

Female Ascaris Features

"TOD: Tail, Ovaries, Diameter"

• T: The tail is straight, distinguishing it from the male.

• O: Contains two ovaries and a uterus capable of producing up to 200,000 eggs per day.

• D: Larger in diameter (2-6 mm) compared to males.

Summary of Reproductive Strategies

"DR: Dioecious, Reproduction"

• D: Dioecious; males and females are separate individuals.

• R: Females have a higher reproductive capacity, contributing to the high prevalence of Ascaris infections.

Types of Questions Asked from Ascaris Male and Female

During exam preparation, different types of questions about the ascaris Males and Females are asked. The table below contains the various patterns of questions asked in other exams.

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