MIRACIDIUM Meaning and
Definition
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Miracidium is a term used in the field of parasitology to describe a larval stage in the life cycle of certain parasitic flatworms, specifically of the class Trematoda. It represents the first stage of development after the egg of the parasite hatches. Miracidia are typically found within bodies of water, such as freshwater or marine environments, as they are adapted to an aquatic lifestyle.
Structurally, a miracidium is characterized as a free-swimming, ciliated organism that possesses a simple, oval-shaped body. It is equipped with several structures that aid in locomotion, including cilia, which facilitate the movement through the water. It also has an apical papilla, which helps in the attachment to the intermediate host, typically a mollusk or snail.
The main purpose of a miracidium is to locate and infect an appropriate intermediate host, where it will undergo further development into a different larval stage. In the intermediate host, the miracidium develops into sporocysts and eventually rediae, which further reproduce and eventually give rise to the next stage in the parasite's life cycle. This stage may eventually lead to the infection of a definitive host, such as a mammal or bird, which allows the parasite to complete its life cycle.
Understanding the life cycle and characteristics of miracidium is crucial in studying parasitic infections caused by trematodes, as well as in developing preventive and control measures to mitigate their impact on human and animal health.
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The ciliated embryo of a trematode worm; it develops into the sporocyst.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MIRACIDIUM
- miracidi5m
- miracidiem
- miracidiqm
- miracidiwm
- miraciditm
- miracidiue
- miracidiui
- miracidiuo
- miracidiul
- m iracidium
- mi racidium
- mir acidium
- mira cidium
- mirac idium
- miraci dium
- miracid ium
- miracidi um
- miracidiu m
Etymology of MIRACIDIUM
The word "miracidium" derives from the Latin word "miraculum", meaning "wonder" or "marvel", and the Greek suffix "-idion", indicating "little" or "small". Hence, "miracidium" can be interpreted as "little wonder" or "small marvel". This etymology reflects the admiration and curiosity that surrounded the discovery of this particular form of larvae.
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