How does a tick embed in the armpit? - briefly
A tick climbs onto the underarm skin, secures its front legs, and inserts its hypostome while secreting saliva that contains anticoagulants and a cement‑like protein to lock itself in place. It stays attached until it is fully engorged, then detaches and falls off.
How does a tick embed in the armpit? - in detail
Ticks locate the underarm area by sensing body heat, carbon‑dioxide exhalation, and moisture. When a questing tick contacts skin, its front legs grasp the epidermis and the hypostome— a barbed feeding tube— penetrates the dermis. Salivary secretions containing anticoagulants and anesthetics are injected, preventing clotting and reducing host awareness. Simultaneously, the tick releases a cement‑like protein that hardens around the mouthparts, securing the attachment.
The embedding process proceeds as follows:
- Detection: thermoreceptors and CO₂ receptors guide the tick toward the warm, humid armpit.
- Grasp: four fore‑legs latch onto the skin surface, stabilizing the insect.
- Penetration: the hypostome’s backward‑pointing barbs pierce the epidermis and dermis, creating a channel for blood intake.
- Saliva injection: anticoagulant, anti‑inflammatory, and analgesic compounds are delivered to maintain blood flow and mask the bite.
- Cement formation: proteinaceous glue solidifies around the hypostome, preventing dislodgement.
- Feeding: the tick expands its midgut, drawing blood through the hypostome while continuously secreting saliva to sustain the feeding site.
Ticks remain attached for several days to weeks, enlarging their body as they engorge. Removal requires careful extraction of the mouthparts to avoid tearing the cement and leaving fragments embedded in the skin, which can trigger localized inflammation or infection.