What does a tick do when it feeds on blood? - briefly
A tick inserts its barbed hypostome into the host’s skin, releases saliva containing anticoagulants and anesthetics, and then draws blood through its digestive tract while remaining attached for several days. This process can also transmit pathogens present in the saliva.
What does a tick do when it feeds on blood? - in detail
A tick attaches to the host by inserting its hypostome, a barbed feeding tube, into the skin. Salivary secretions accompany the insertion; they contain anticoagulants, vasodilators, and immunomodulatory proteins that keep blood flowing, prevent clotting, and suppress the host’s inflammatory response. The tick then begins slow, continuous ingestion through a ventral channel that separates from the hypostome, allowing the blood to flow around the mouthparts without clogging them.
During the feeding period, which can last from several days to over a week depending on the species and life stage, the tick’s body expands dramatically. Its midgut epithelium absorbs plasma proteins, red blood cells, and lipids, while specific receptors transport nutrients into the hemolymph. Excess water is excreted back into the host through a process called diuresis, concentrating the ingested blood into a protein‑rich meal.
The tick’s salivary glands also serve as a conduit for pathogen transmission. When the tick feeds, microorganisms residing in the glandular tissue are released into the host’s bloodstream alongside the saliva. This mechanism enables the transfer of bacteria, viruses, and protozoa such as Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme disease), Rickettsia spp., and Babesia spp.
Key physiological steps include:
- Attachment: hypostome insertion and cement secretion to secure the mouthparts.
- Salivation: delivery of anti‑hemostatic and immunosuppressive compounds.
- Ingestion: blood drawn through the ventral channel into the midgut.
- Digestion: enzymatic breakdown of proteins and storage of nutrients.
- Excretion: removal of excess fluid back into the host.
- Pathogen transmission: release of infectious agents from salivary glands.
After engorgement, the tick detaches, drops off the host, and proceeds to molt or lay eggs, completing its life cycle.