How did the tick get under the skin? - briefly
A tick inserts its mouthparts into the host’s epidermis, secreting anticoagulant saliva that anchors it beneath the skin while it feeds. The attachment can persist for several days as the tick engorges with blood.
How did the tick get under the skin? - in detail
Ticks attach by locating a suitable site, usually a warm, moist area where the skin is thin. They sense heat, carbon‑dioxide, and movement, which guide them toward a potential host. Once in contact, the tick uses its forelegs equipped with sensory organs called Haller’s organs to confirm the presence of a living host.
The attachment process begins with the tick climbing onto the skin and extending its mouthparts, known as the capitulum. The capitulum contains a pair of chelicerae and a hypostome. The chelicerae cut through the outer layer of the epidermis, creating a small incision. The hypostome, covered with backward‑pointing barbs, is then driven into the tissue. As the tick squeezes its body muscles, the barbs anchor the mouthparts, preventing removal.
During insertion, the tick secretes saliva that contains anticoagulants, anti‑inflammatory compounds, and immunomodulators. These substances keep blood flowing, reduce pain, and suppress the host’s immune response, allowing the tick to feed undisturbed for several days.
The feeding phase proceeds as follows:
- Insertion: Chelicerae cut, hypostome penetrates, barbs lock in place.
- Salivation: Anticoagulant and anesthetic compounds are released.
- Blood intake: A slow, continuous flow of blood is drawn through the feeding tube.
- Engorgement: The tick’s body expands dramatically as it stores the blood meal.
- Detachment: After feeding, the tick withdraws its mouthparts and drops off.
Environmental factors such as humidity, temperature, and host grooming behavior influence the success of penetration. Proper removal requires grasping the tick close to the skin with fine tweezers and pulling straight upward to avoid tearing the hypostome, which could leave mouthparts embedded.