Title: Nematodes - Phylum Examples, Classification and Characteristics
Headings: Nematodes
Phylum Examples, Classification and Characteristics

Nematodes
Phylum Examples, Classification and Characteristics
Definition - What are Nematodes?
Classification
Classes of Phylum Nematoda
Class Rhabditea
Parasitic Rhabditea
Free-Living Nematodes in Class Rhabditea
General Characteristics of Rhabditea
Class Enoplea
Trichuris Trichula
Some Characteristics of Enopleans
Class Chromadorea
Characteristics
General Characteristics of Nematodes
Benefits/Importance of Nematodes
References
Links

Content: This phylum is composed of organisms with the following characteristics: Thin and elongated (hair-like)
Tubular in appearance
Majority are microscopic while a few can be viewed with the naked eye. However, Placentonema gigantissima, a nematode that infects sperm whales has been shown to grow up to 9 meters (30 ft) in length
Head and tail are not visually distinct
They have a cuticle
They have a nervous system that controls the muscle cells
Classes of Phylum Nematoda
Nematodes are further divided into three major classes and subclasses that possess several different characteristics including: Class Rhabditea
Ancylostoma caninum attached to the intestinal mucosa,Source: CDC's [http://phil.cdc.gov/phil/home.asp Public Health Image Library] Image #5205 |Source=Originally from [http://en.wikipedia.org
Class Rhabditea is composed of both parasitic and free-living nematodes. However, the majority of nematodes that exist as parasites are found in this class. Parasitic Rhabditea
Parasitic nematodes found in class Rhabditea include Ascaris, Enterobius (e.g. human pinworm), Necator species as well as Wuchereria species. These species infect and cause a variety of diseases in human beings ranging from minor to very serious conditions. For instance, Wuchereria bancrofti, a species belonging to the genus Wuchereria causes a serious condition known as Lymphatic filariasis characterized by the swelling of arms and legs. This is a serious condition that is not only painful, but also causes the disfiguration of arms and/or legs.