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Artwork of nematode worms Ascaris sp. in intestine
Ascaris nematode worms. Artwork of the human intestines cutaway to reveal Ascaris lumbricoides nematode worms (threadworms). The appendix (bottom right) lies in the large intestine, with the small intestine at lower right. Only heavy infestations of the worms (ascariasis) may cause symptoms of abdominal pain, malnutrition, nausea, anaemia and irregular bowel movements. The mature worms live in the small intestine, where the female lays many eggs. These are excreted in the faeces and ingest- ed by a new host in contaminated water or food. The larvae hatch in the intestines and move in the blood to the lungs. They pass up the windpipe, are swallowed and return to the intestines to mature.
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