trematoda
The digestive system of a trematode is similar to that of a turbellarian, which is a type of flatworm. Like a turbellarian, a trematode has a two-branched gut that extends throughout the body, but it doesn't have a very long pharynx.
Many trematodes have no digestive system at all. Since many of them live inside the digestive systems of the infected animal, they can simply absorb pre-digested food from the animal. Since they don’t have to contribute any energy or body volume to digestion, this leaves these animals more energy and body space to devote to reproduction.
The epidermis of a trematode is syncytial, meaning that it is not divided into individual cells. This distinguishes trematodes from turbellarians. Another distinction between turbellarians and trematodes is that trematodes lack cilia on their ventral surfaces, so they must use their body musculature for movement.
Most trematodes have a pair of suckers on their surfaces, which they use to attach themselves to the insides of the infected animal's body tubes. Typically, there is an oral sucker that surrounds the mouth, and aventral sucker closer to the animal’s rear end.
Many trematodes have no digestive system at all. Since many of them live inside the digestive systems of the infected animal, they can simply absorb pre-digested food from the animal. Since they don’t have to contribute any energy or body volume to digestion, this leaves these animals more energy and body space to devote to reproduction.
The epidermis of a trematode is syncytial, meaning that it is not divided into individual cells. This distinguishes trematodes from turbellarians. Another distinction between turbellarians and trematodes is that trematodes lack cilia on their ventral surfaces, so they must use their body musculature for movement.
Most trematodes have a pair of suckers on their surfaces, which they use to attach themselves to the insides of the infected animal's body tubes. Typically, there is an oral sucker that surrounds the mouth, and aventral sucker closer to the animal’s rear end.