Acanthocephala (also known as Acanthocephalas, Thorny-Headed Worms): A phylum of parasitic worms, closely related to tapeworms and containing two genera: Moniliformis, which sometimes infects man, and Macracanthorhynchus, which infects swine.

NIH MeSH · D000049Organisms

Acanthocephala

Also known asAcanthocephalas · Thorny-Headed Worms · Thorny-Headed Worm · Thorny Headed Worms · Worms, Thorny-Headed · Worm, Thorny-Headed

Definition

A phylum of parasitic worms, closely related to tapeworms and containing two genera: Moniliformis, which sometimes infects man, and Macracanthorhynchus, which infects swine.

MeSH classification

  • B01.050.500.500.132

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Related concepts

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Common questions about Acanthocephala

What does Acanthocephala mean in medicine?
A phylum of parasitic worms, closely related to tapeworms and containing two genera: Moniliformis, which sometimes infects man, and Macracanthorhynchus, which infects swine. This definition is taken from the National Library of Medicine's MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) 2026 release, which is the standard vocabulary used to index PubMed and most medical literature.
Is Acanthocephala known by any other names?
Yes. Acanthocephala is also referred to as Acanthocephalas, Thorny-Headed Worms, Thorny-Headed Worm, Thorny Headed Worms in different clinical, research and patient-facing contexts. The MeSH descriptor groups all of these synonyms under a single canonical concept so research and records stay consistent.
Where does Acanthocephala sit in the medical classification?
Acanthocephala falls under the broader medical category "Organisms" in the MeSH hierarchy (tree numbers: B01.050.500.500.132). Browsing the related concepts on this page takes you to neighbouring topics in the same branch of medicine.
Where can I get a plain-language explanation of Acanthocephala?
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Source: NIH MeSH 2026 (D000049) — National Library of Medicine, public domain. View official MeSH record ↗