Question

Hexacanth reaches

• A. Voluntary muscles
• B. Involuntary muscles
• C. Cardiac muscles
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Voluntary muscles

Hexacanth is the larval stage of pork tapeworm. Pork tapeworm is an endoparasite in the human intestine. Tapeworm enters in pig by feeding on garbage and human excreta having oncospheres. Oncospheres are released in the intestines of pigs. The shell dissolves and the hexacanth larva is liberated. The hexacanth larva is activated by bile salts. Later, hexacanth larvae enter the hepatic portal vein through which it goes to the liver. From the liver, it goes to the heart through postcaval vein. From the heart, it goes to the voluntary muscles of the pig. Generally, the hexacanth settles in the voluntary muscles of the tongue, elbows, neck, and limbs. Sometimes , the hexacanth may also enter organs like the lungs, eyes, kidneys, brain etc. The hexacanth loses its hooks in the voluntary muscles of the pig. It develops into cysticercus larva. So, option A is correct.