Question:
Which of the following metacestode gives rise to a maximum number of tapeworms when ingested by the definitive host?
A. Coenurus
B. Cysticercus
C. Plerocercoid
D. Hydatid
Which of the following metacestode gives rise to a maximum number of tapeworms when ingested by the definitive host?
A. Coenurus
B. Cysticercus
C. Plerocercoid
D. Hydatid
A. Coenurus
B. Cysticercus
C. Plerocercoid
D. Hydatid
Show Hint
Remember the scaling of asexual reproduction in larval tapeworms:
- Cysticercus/Plerocercoid = 1 scolex (1 adult worm)
- Coenurus = Multiple scolices (hundreds of adult worms)
- Hydatid = Brood capsules with massive multiplication (millions of adult worms)
- Cysticercus/Plerocercoid = 1 scolex (1 adult worm)
- Coenurus = Multiple scolices (hundreds of adult worms)
- Hydatid = Brood capsules with massive multiplication (millions of adult worms)
Updated On: Aug 24, 2026
- Coenurus
- Cysticercus
- Plerocercoid
- Hydatid
Show Solution
Verified By Collegedunia
The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Metacestodes can be categorized structurally based on their budding capability and the number of future scolices (heads) they contain.
When an intermediate host harboring metacestodes is eaten by a definitive host, each viable scolex present in the metacestode can attach to the intestinal wall and develop into one adult tapeworm.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us compare the potential of each metacestode type to yield adult tapeworms:
- Cysticercus: This larval stage possesses a single invaginated scolex.
Ingesting one cysticercus results in the development of exactly one adult tapeworm.
- Plerocercoid: This is an unsegmented, solid larval stage of pseudophyllidean tapeworms (e.g., Diphyllobothrium) possessing a single scolex.
It yields exactly one adult tapeworm.
- Coenurus: This is a fluid-filled bladder containing multiple scolices (typically tens to a few hundred) budding from the internal germinal membrane.
Ingesting one coenurus can yield a few hundred adult tapeworms.
- Hydatid cyst: This larval stage of Echinococcus species undergoes extensive asexual reproduction.
The germinal layer buds off thousands of brood capsules, each containing multiple protoscolices.
A single large hydatid cyst can harbor millions of viable protoscolices.
Ingestion of a single hydatid cyst can therefore result in the development of thousands to millions of adult tapeworms in the small intestine of the definitive host.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The hydatid cyst contains the highest number of potential scolices, giving rise to the maximum number of adult tapeworms.
Therefore, the correct option is (D).
Metacestodes can be categorized structurally based on their budding capability and the number of future scolices (heads) they contain.
When an intermediate host harboring metacestodes is eaten by a definitive host, each viable scolex present in the metacestode can attach to the intestinal wall and develop into one adult tapeworm.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us compare the potential of each metacestode type to yield adult tapeworms:
- Cysticercus: This larval stage possesses a single invaginated scolex.
Ingesting one cysticercus results in the development of exactly one adult tapeworm.
- Plerocercoid: This is an unsegmented, solid larval stage of pseudophyllidean tapeworms (e.g., Diphyllobothrium) possessing a single scolex.
It yields exactly one adult tapeworm.
- Coenurus: This is a fluid-filled bladder containing multiple scolices (typically tens to a few hundred) budding from the internal germinal membrane.
Ingesting one coenurus can yield a few hundred adult tapeworms.
- Hydatid cyst: This larval stage of Echinococcus species undergoes extensive asexual reproduction.
The germinal layer buds off thousands of brood capsules, each containing multiple protoscolices.
A single large hydatid cyst can harbor millions of viable protoscolices.
Ingestion of a single hydatid cyst can therefore result in the development of thousands to millions of adult tapeworms in the small intestine of the definitive host.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The hydatid cyst contains the highest number of potential scolices, giving rise to the maximum number of adult tapeworms.
Therefore, the correct option is (D).
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