Before entering fully into the meaning of the term worm, we are going to proceed to know its etymological origin. In this case, we have to explain that it is a word that derives from Latin, specifically from “lumbricus”, which can be translated as “intestinal worm” or “worm”.
A roundworm is a worm that belongs to the group of annelids . This means that its body, almost cylindrical in shape, has external folds corresponding to the different internal sectors.
The worms are soft, reddish or white in color. They can be up to 7 millimeters in diameter and have a body extension of 30 centimeters. The hairs in the lower area make it easier to move.
It is estimated that there are about four thousand species of worms. Most of them live in humid soils, although there are also worms whose habitat is water. Additionally, some worms lead a parasitic life.
The earthworm , for example, lives in the soil and feeds on organic substances. Each specimen has female sexual organs and male sexual organs: these worms, therefore, are hermaphrodites .
It should be noted that worms, by digesting organic matter and then returning it to the already decomposed soil, produce humus . It is an ecological fertilizer that increases the quality of the soil.
Likewise, you should know that there are four different types of earthworms:
-Lumbricus rubellus, which also responds to the name bloodworm or red worm given the reddish color that identifies it. It can reach a length of up to 105 millimeters.
-Eisenia fetida, which is popularly known as manure worm. On its body, yellow stripes are combined with brown ones. Its maximum length is 130 millimeters.
-Eisenia Andrei. This earthworm, which is also called red tiger worm, can have different stripes and its body appears dark red. It can measure up to 130 millimeters.
-Dendrobaena sale. The common name for this is dendra and it is identified because it can be brown, purple and even violet in color. Its maximum length is 155 millimeters and, sometimes, it may have stripes.
The intestinal worm , on the other hand, is a worm that can settle as a parasite in the intestines of various animals and people. The eggs are incubated in the small intestine: when the adult specimen develops, it moves to the colon.
Intestinal worms are more common in children than in adults and among the most common symptoms that may indicate that they are suffering are nausea, shortness of breath, mild abdominal pain or even diarrhea. Not to mention that other symptoms are persistent cough, vomiting, bloody stools, noticeable weight loss, fatigue and even quite severe pain in the abdominal area.
An infestation by intestinal worms is called oxyuriasis or enterobiasis . This disorder usually causes itching and discomfort in the anal area. To prevent pinworm infection, it is important to wash your hands before eating and after defecating, while treatment includes the administration of drugs.