Oncosphere

An oncosphere is a larva of some cestodes, equipped with hooks for attachment to the tissues of a new host. This larva forms inside the eggs of cestodes and emerges from them when the eggs enter the intestine of the intermediate host.

Oncospheres are very small, their size is only about 0.03-0.07 mm. But, despite such tiny sizes, they contain all the necessary organs and structures. Oncospheres have hooks with which they attach to the intestinal wall of the host. They also have cilia, with the help of which they actively move.

After entering the intestine of the intermediate host, the oncospheres use their hooks to pierce the intestinal wall and enter the body cavity. Then they migrate with the blood or lymph flow to various organs and tissues, where they transform into the next larval stage - cysticercus. This is how the oncospheres of cestodes complete their development and turn into adults in the body of the final host.

An oncosphere is a larva of some types of cestodes (tapeworms), which attaches to the tissues of a new host and develops there, feeding on its blood or tissues. Oncospheres are equipped with hooks that help them attach to host tissues and provide protection from predators.

Oncospheres can be found in the intestines of animals such as cows, pigs, dogs and cats, as well as in humans. They can cause various diseases, such as dipylidiasis, hymenolepiasis, taeniasis and others.

To treat oncospheres, it is necessary to use special drugs that kill the larva and prevent its further development. However, if oncospheres have already developed in the host's body, then treatment may be more complex and include surgical removal of the affected tissue.

It is important to remember that oncospheres are parasites and can be transmitted from one animal to another through food or water. Therefore, it is important to maintain good hygiene and keep food and water clean to prevent the spread of oncospheres.