ASCHELMINTHES

An Overview of the Phylum

kevin
 Definition: Aschelminthes, also
known as Nemathelminthes, is a
phylum of pseudocoelomate
animals.

Importance: They play significant

INTRODUCTION TO ecological roles and some are
important as parasites.
ASCHELMINTHES

Characteristics: These organisms

have a simple body plan with a
pseudocoelom, a complete
digestive tract, and a protective
cuticle.
 1. Subclasses:
• Nematoda: Commonly known as
roundworms. Example: Ascaris.
• Rotifera: Known as wheel animals due to
CLASSIFICATION the ciliated corona that appears to rotate.
OF Example: Rotifers.
ASCHELMINTHES • Acanthocephala: Known as thorny-
headed worms. Example:
Acanthocephalans.
2. Key Differences: Differences in shape,
habitat, and parasitic nature.
 Body Symmetry: Bilateral
symmetry.

Pseudocoelom: A fluid-filled
body cavity not entirely lined
with mesoderm.

MORPHOLOGICA
L FEATURES
Cuticle: An external protective
layer that is periodically molted.

Body Wall: Comprised of muscles

allowing for movement.
 Structure: They have a
complete digestive system with
a mouth, intestine, and anus.

DIGESTIV
E
SYSTEM Feeding Habits: Vary from free-
living species that feed on
organic matter to parasitic
species that feed on the host's
tissues or fluids.
REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

Modes of
Parasitic Life Cycles:
Reproduction: Both
Often have complex life
sexual and asexual
cycles involving
reproduction occur in
multiple hosts.
this phylum.
NERVOUS SYSTEM
• Simple Structure: Typically a ring of nerve tissue around the
pharynx.
• Sense Organs: Includes amphids (chemoreceptors) in nematodes
which help in sensing the environment.
 EXCRETORY
SYSTEM
• Protonephridia: Tubular excretory
structures used for osmoregulation and
excretion.
• Renette Cells: Specialized cells in
nematodes that function in excretion.
 ECOLOGICAL
ROLE
• Soil Health: Contribute to nutrient
cycling and soil health.
• Food Web: Serve as both predators and
prey in various ecosystems.
• Parasites: Some species are important
parasites of plants and animals, impacting
agriculture and health.
INTERESTING FACTS
• Unique Adaptations: High reproductive
rates and ability to survive in diverse
environments.
• Agriculture: Many species are pests
affecting crops, such as root-knot
nematodes.
• Medicine: Several species are human
parasites, including Ascaris and filarial
worms, causing diseases like ascariasis
and filariasis.
CONCLUSION
Phylum Characteristics:
Aschelminthes, also known as
Nemathelminthes, includes
pseudocoelomate animals with a
simple body plan.
Classification: Includes important
subclasses such as Nematoda
(roundworms), Rotifera (wheel
animals), and Acanthocephala (thorny-
headed worms).

Morphology: Bilateral symmetry, Systems: Complete digestive, simple

pseudocoelom, protective cuticle, and nervous, reproductive (both sexual and
muscle-based movement. asexual), and excretory systems.

Ecological and Economic Roles:

Significant in soil health, food webs,
and as both beneficial and harmful
species (including agricultural pests
and human parasites).
 Q AND A
• Question: What is another name for Aschelminthes
• Answer:Pseudocoelomates.
• Question: What type of body symmetry do Aschelminthes exhibit?
• Answer: Bilateral symmetry.
THANK YOU