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Structure of Tapeworms

A tapeworm is a type of worm that attaches itself to and inhabits the small intestines of humans or animals. The tapeworm also is known as cestodes and is a member of the platyhelminths family.

  1. Shape

    • The tapeworm has a flattened, elongated and segmented body shape. Usually the tapeworm body is in the shape of a hook.

    Size

    • Tapeworms vary in size. Small tapeworms can be 2 to 3 mm, while others can grow up to 10 m. A tapeworm can have several thousand segments, depending upon its size.

    Anatomy

    • The tapeworm is comprised of three distinct anatomical parts. The scolex is the head and contains the brain. The head is connected to the neck, which is followed by the segments called proglottids.

    Attachment

    • The tapeworm attaches its head to the intestinal wall. It contains a hat-like structure that makes it possible to attach itself to the intestinal wall.

    Reproduction

    • Tapeworms are hermaphroditic worms. Each segment contains both male and female reproductive systems.

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