Taenia saginata:Its growth and propagation

Abstract

When the beef measle bladder worm is ingested by man it is believed that the head attaches itself to the mucosa of the jejunum, the caudal bladder disintegrates and segments develop in the neck region immediately behind the head at the rate of about 6–12 per day. Thus, segments immediately behind the head one day are pushed away from the proximity of the head by the formation of new segments each day. While a segment is being pushed further from the head it increases in size and alters its shape; its sex organs, both male and female, develop and perform their functions. About 80 days are required for a segment to become ripe or for a bladder worm to develop into a complete tapeworm. The ripe posterior segments are detached almost daily. These are replaced by the formation of a similar number immediately behind the head. In this way a worm once fully grown maintains approximately the same length.