Acetabulum (morphology)

Acetabulum (morphology)

The term acetabulum in morphology refers to a cup-shaped structure that is often used for attachment or suction. This structure is found in various organisms, including leeches, trematodes, and cephalopods, where it serves different functional roles.

In Leeches

In sucking leeches, the acetabulum is a prominent feature used for attachment to the host. The acetabulum acts as a suction cup, allowing the leech to adhere firmly to the skin of its host while feeding. This adaptation is crucial for the leech's parasitic lifestyle, as it enables the leech to remain attached even when the host is moving.

A leech using its acetabulum to attach to a surface.

In Trematodes

In trematodes, such as the liver fluke Fasciola gigantica, the acetabulum is one of the two suckers present on the body. The oral sucker is located at the anterior end, while the acetabulum is located ventrally. The acetabulum aids in attachment to the host's tissues, facilitating feeding and movement within the host.

The acetabulum of Fasciola gigantica, a liver fluke.

In Cephalopods

In cephalopods, such as the octopus, the acetabulum is part of the suction cups found on the arms. These structures allow the octopus to grasp objects, manipulate their environment, and capture prey. The acetabulum in cephalopods is highly muscular and can create a strong vacuum, enabling the animal to exert significant force on the objects it grips.

The acetabulum of an octopus, used for gripping and manipulation.

Related pages

• Leech
• Trematode
• Cephalopod
• Morphology (biology)

Gallery

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  A leech using its acetabulum to attach to a surface.

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  The acetabulum of Fasciola gigantica, a liver fluke.

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  The acetabulum of an octopus, used for gripping and manipulation.

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  Sucking leech

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  Fasciola gigantica

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  Octopus sinensis