oncosphere
Hooked parasitic larva
An oncosphere is the earliest larval stage of a tapeworm, a tiny six-hooked embryo contained within the egg.
When ingested by an intermediate host, the oncosphere hatches and burrows through the intestinal wall to migrate to other tissues, where it develops into the next larval form.
The term comes from Greek words meaning "hooked sphere."
Organism before birth
- larvaImmature feeding stage
- developmentProgress toward maturity
- metamorphosisProfound biological restructuring
- metacestodeLarval cestode form
transformation · maturation · differentiation · ontogeny · hatching · activation · penetration · migration
One exploiting a host
- zoonosisAnimal-to-human disease transmission
- transmissionSending of information
- epidemiologyStudy of disease spread
- diagnosisIdentification of illness
serology · imaging · biopsy · surgery · prevention · sanitation · veterinary · endemic
Entry into something
- bloodstreamFlow through vessels
- migrationMovement to new territory
- neurocysticercosisTapeworm larvae in brain
- fecal-oralTransmission via ingested waste
Small hook-shaped projections
- shellHard outer covering
- sphericalGlobe-like in form
- microscopicToo small for eyes
- chitinousHaving tough exoskeleton coating
Tapeworm's attachment structure
- hooksCurved catching devices
- suckersEasily fooled people
- gravidPregnant, especially biologically
- segmentationDivision into sections
embryo
Organism before birth
- larvaImmature feeding stage
- developmentProgress toward maturity
- metamorphosisProfound biological restructuring
metacestode · transformation · maturation · differentiation · ontogeny · hatching · activation · penetration · migration
parasite
One exploiting a host
- zoonosisAnimal-to-human disease transmission
- transmissionSending of information
- epidemiologyStudy of disease spread
diagnosis · serology · imaging · biopsy · surgery · prevention · sanitation · veterinary · endemic
penetration
Entry into something
- bloodstreamFlow through vessels
- migrationMovement to new territory
- neurocysticercosisTapeworm larvae in brain
hooklets
Small hook-shaped projections
- shellHard outer covering
- sphericalGlobe-like in form
- microscopicToo small for eyes
scolex
Tapeworm's attachment structure
- larvaelarvae, larva, caterpillar, caterpillars, maggot
- parasite stageszygote, cyst, egg, larval stage, nymph