27 topics with concise reviews: definitions, key facts, and class questions.
Medical arachnoentomology studies representatives of the phylum Arthropoda that have direct medical significance: disease vectors, causative agents of diseases, and intermediate hosts of parasites. In this section, we systematically examine the subphyla Branchiopoda (class Crustacea) and Chelicerata (class Arachnida).
Special attention is paid to the superorder Acari: Acariformes, Parasitiformes, Argasidae, and Ixodidae. The second major part of the section is dedicated to the class Insecta. You will study their general characteristics as well as the specific features of individual orders: cockroaches, bed bugs, lice, fleas, and Diptera (which include mosquitoes, sandflies, horseflies, botflies, as well as true flies and blowflies).
During practical classes and colloquiums, instructors are most stringent about the epidemiological significance of blood-sucking arthropods. Be sure to learn the life cycles of ixodid and argasid ticks, the morphological differences of malaria mosquitoes at various developmental stages, and the role of lice and fleas in the transmission of particularly dangerous infections. Pay attention to Latin nomenclature and the mechanisms of pathogen transmission.
What is the main difference between a specific vector and a mechanical vector?
Inside the body of a specific vector, the disease pathogen necessarily undergoes a development cycle or multiplies. A mechanical vector merely passively transports pathogens on its external integuments (legs, proboscis) without internal development.
What is heteronomous segmentation in arthropods?
Heteronomous segmentation is a major aromorphosis in which body segments become dissimilar in structure and function. As a result of this process, distinct body regions are formed.
From which group of animals did Branchiopoda evolve?
Branchiopoda trace their origin back to annelids, from which they inherited and retained many basic anatomical features.
Do all crustaceans have appendages on the abdomen?
No, this depends on the subclass. In Lower Crustacea (Entomostraca), the abdomen is completely devoid of appendages and ends in a caudal furca. In Higher Crustacea (Malacostraca), all body segments bear a pair of appendages.
Do chelicerates possess antennae (antennules)?
No, antennules are completely absent in representatives of this subphylum. The antennae are modified into mouthparts—chelicerae.
What is the essence of extraintestinal digestion?
Arachnids cannot digest solid food inside the body. They inject digestive gland secretions directly into the killed prey, proteins are vigorously broken down externally, after which the semi-liquid mass is ingested by the animal.
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