INTRODUCTION

Segmented round worms Earthworms, sand worms, tube worms and leeches Bilaterally symmetrical Triploblastic, with true coelom Most developed among the worms Integument outer nonchitinous cuticle over a simple cuboidal or columnar epithelium Motility contraction of longitudinal and circular muscles With oblique muscles in species with lateral parapodia

INTRODUCTION
Digestive system complete, straight tube; extracellular digestion Respiration via the cuticle; accessory structures such as parapodia and radioles circulatory system - closed type with welldeveloped dorsal and ventral blood vessels Excretion metanephridia No known skeletal system Hermaphroditic, asexual reproduction by regeneration/fragmentation

INTRODUCTION
Sexual reproduction formation of gametes passed on via reciprocal copulation or hypodermic impregnation Habitat - in marine, fresh and brackish waters and on terrestrial environments

OBJECTIVES
To be able to identify and classify annelids based on the external morphology of specimens. To be able to identify the different external and internal structures of annelids and their respective functions. To exposed the students to the agricultural, economic and medical importance of this phylum.

MATERIALS
Slide specimen of Nereis trunk section Slide specimen of Nereis parapodium Slide specimen of Earthworm anterior l.s. Slide specimen of Earthworm pharynx x.s. Slide specimen of Earthworm esophagus x.s. Slide specimen of Earthworm clittelum x.s. Slide specimen of Earthworm nephridium w.m. Slide specimen of Leech w.m. Slide specimen of Leech x.s. three regions

METHODOLOGY
Class Polychaeta
Sandworms and tubeworms Presence of a well-developed prostomium with several antennal structures Segmented body with 1 pair of lateral parapodia

 Class Clitella
Subclass Oligochaeta
Earthworms Undeveloped prostomium Clitellum only recognizable external structure

 Class Clitella
Subclass Hirudinea
Aquatic and terrestrial leeches Anterior sucker for feeding; posterior sucker for attachment Lack setae Not considered parasites Medicinal value: in the past it was used to control high blood pressure Environmental indicator: eutrophic bodies of water contain high numbers of leeches