Acetabulum (morphology)

Acetabulum /æsɪˈtæbjʊləm/ (pl.: acetabula) in invertebrate zoology is a saucer-shaped organ of attachment in some annelid worms (like leech) and flatworms. It is a specialised sucker for parasitic adaptation in trematodes by which the worms are able to attach on the host.[1] In annelids, it is basically a locomotory organ for attaching to a substratum. The name also applies to the suction appendage on the arms of cephalopod molluscs such as squid, octopus, cuttlefish, Nautilus, etc.[2][3]

  1. ^ Castro GA (1996). "Helminths: Structure, Classification, Growth, and Development". In Baron S (ed.). Medical Microbiology (4 ed.). Galveston (TX): University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. ISBN 978-0-9631172-1-2. PMID 21413252.
  2. ^ Collins Dictionary. "acetabulum". collinsdictionary.com. Collins. Retrieved 2013-06-08.
  3. ^ von Byern J, Klepal W (2005). "Adhesive mechanisms in cephalopods: a review". Biofouling. 22 (5–6): 329–338. doi:10.1080/08927010600967840. PMID 17110356.