How does a tick embed in a human? - briefly
A tick selects a hair‑free area, pierces the skin with its barbed hypostome, and releases a cement‑like saliva that secures its attachment while it feeds. It stays anchored for days, expanding as it ingests blood.
How does a tick embed in a human? - in detail
Ticks locate a host through heat, carbon dioxide, and movement cues. When a suitable surface is detected, the arthropod climbs onto the skin and begins the attachment sequence.
The attachment proceeds in several stages:
- Exploratory phase – The tick’s forelegs, equipped with sensory organs, probe the epidermis to find a suitable spot, often a thin‑skinned area such as the scalp, behind the ears, or the groin.
- Securing grip – The second pair of legs anchors the body, while the first pair continues to test the skin’s integrity.
- Insertion of the hypostome – The tick’s mouthparts, consisting of chelicerae and a barbed hypostome, are driven into the dermis. Barbs prevent easy removal.
- Cement gland secretion – Specialized glands release a proteinaceous cement that hardens around the mouthparts, forming a stable attachment.
- Saliva injection – The tick injects saliva containing anticoagulants, immunomodulators, and analgesic compounds. These substances keep blood fluid, suppress host immune responses, and reduce pain, facilitating prolonged feeding.
- Engorgement – Blood is drawn through the pharyngeal pump into the tick’s expandable midgut. The insect can increase its body mass manyfold over several days.
Throughout the feeding period, the cement and barbed hypostome maintain a secure connection, allowing the tick to remain attached despite host movement. When engorgement is complete, the tick detaches by cutting through the cement and withdrawing its mouthparts.