Germ layers
Symmetry
Coelom
 Nematodes are pseudocoelomates, which means that
the body cavities are lined with endodermis tissue
and mesodermis tissues.
Digestive tract
Nemotodes have a complete digestive tract which
means that they have two openings: a mouth and a
anus
Cephalization
 Nemotodes have a well developed nervous system
which consists of 4 nerve ganglia and 6 longitudinal
nerves that branch off of it which extend towards the
mouth.
A.K.A ganglial nervous system
Segmentation
 Nematodes are different than many
other different types of worms due to
their lack of segmentation.
Skeleton & appendages
 Nematodes lack a skeletal system but instead have a
tough outer layer called the cuticle. It maybe strong,
but it is also flexible and sheds a few times while
maturing into an adult.
 Because of the lack of skeleton, nematods do not
have any paired appendages.
Circulatory system
 Nematodes do not have a working circulatory system,
but instead are able to circulate fluid, located in the
pseudocoelom, by their body movements
Respiratory system
 Nematodes also lack a functioning respiratory system,
they instead rely on diffusion for the continuous
supply of new oxidized air.
Reproduction
 Nematodes reproduce sexually, and have a six stage
life process.
 Males can be distinguished from the females because
they are slightly smaller and have a hooked tail.
Habitat
 Their are two main types of nematodes. Parasitic
nematodes can be found in and on almost any type of
plant or animal.
 They thrive mainly in soil, but can withstand almost
any climate due to cryptobiosis.
 Cryptobiosis is the ability to suspend their lives until they
find their way into more favorable conditions.