Changes

==Nervous System==

==Nervous System==

Knowledge of the nervous system employed by nematodes has enabled the development of many anti-parasitic drugs as they work to disrupt this system. There is a neural ring around the pharynx of the nematode containing 4 ganglia, sosnsoy and motor neurones extend to the anterior of the worm to innervate the pharynx. One ventral and one dorsal nerve cord extend distally from the neural ring run down the length of the worm with the hypodermal cord, these are responsible for innervating body wall muscles.  

Knowledge of the nervous system employed by nematodes has enabled the development of many anti-parasitic drugs as they work to disrupt this system. There is a neural ring around the pharynx of the nematode containing 4 ganglia, sosnsoy and motor neurones extend to the anterior of the worm to innervate the pharynx. One ventral and one dorsal nerve cord extend distally from the neural ring run down the length of the worm with the hypodermal cord, these are responsible for innervating body wall muscles.

 

The muscles involved in feeding respond to a range of [[Neurotransmitters - Anatomy & Physiology|neurotransmitters]] that can either be excitatory or inhibitory. The '''5-HT''' neurotransmitter, also known as serotonin, stimulates rhythmical contractions of pharyngeal muscles required to generate the pharyngeal pumping action. The prate of pumping in the pharynx is regulated by the neurotransmitter '''Acetylcholine''' (ACh). The pharyngeal muscles are inhibited by the actions of '''Glutamate''' and '''GABA''' which bind to post synaptic receptors and cause hyperpolarisation of the post synaptic membrane. The hyperpolarisation results in inhibition of the muscle actions as a greater stimulatory effect is required to overcome this and depolarise the cell.

==Feeding and Digestion==

==Feeding and Digestion==