gnathosoma
The gnathosoma is the front section of a mite or tick's body, consisting of the mouthparts and their supporting structures.
Distinguished from the idiosoma (the main body), the gnathosoma contains the chelicerae and pedipalps used for feeding.
The term appears primarily in acarology—the study of mites and ticks.
acarology
Parasitic eight-legged pest
parasitology
Connection or fondness
- hostOne receiving guests
- blood-feedingDeriving sustenance from plasma
- vectorQuantity with direction
- piercingPenetrating or very sharp
anchoring · anticoagulant · tick-borne disease · Babesia · infestation · ectoparasite · engorgement · blood meal
tick
Parasitic eight-legged pest
attachment
Connection or fondness
- hostOne receiving guests
- blood-feedingDeriving sustenance from plasma
- vectorQuantity with direction
piercing · anchoring · anticoagulant · tick-borne disease · Babesia · infestation · ectoparasite · engorgement · blood meal · saliva
mouthparts
Oral feeding structures
- palpsArthropod sensory appendages
- rostrumRaised speaker's platform
- labrumSocket-encircling fibrocartilage
pharynx · salivary glands · stylets · digits
- arachnid anatomyspinnerets, pedicel, carapace, book lungs, cephalothorax