What does a tick's mouthpart look like? - briefly
The tick’s feeding apparatus comprises a ventral capsule with a pair of chelicerae and a bar‑shaped «hypostome» that inserts into the host’s skin. The chelicerae function as cutting pins, while the «hypostome» secures attachment and directs blood into the salivary canal.
What does a tick's mouthpart look like? - in detail
Ticks possess a specialized feeding apparatus located at the anterior end of the body, known as the capitulum. The capitulum comprises several distinct elements that work together to pierce host skin and secure blood intake.
The main components are:
- Chelicerae – a pair of short, curved stylets that act as cutting tools, slicing through epidermal layers to create an entry channel.
- Hypostome – a central, elongated tube bearing numerous backward‑pointing barbs; the barbs anchor the tick firmly within the host tissue and form the primary conduit for blood flow.
- Palps (pedipalps) – sensory appendages situated laterally to the hypostome; they detect chemical cues and assist in positioning the mouthparts.
- Basis capituli – a hardened, sclerotized base that supports the chelicerae, hypostome, and palps, providing structural stability during feeding.
- Mouth opening (labrum) – a small slit at the front of the hypostome through which the blood is drawn into the pharynx.
The cheliceral stylets intersect within the hypostome, forming a narrow channel that penetrates the host’s dermis. The barbed surface of the hypostome prevents dislodgement, allowing the tick to remain attached for several days while ingesting large volumes of blood. The palps, equipped with mechanoreceptors, continuously monitor tissue resistance, ensuring precise advancement of the feeding tube.
Overall, the mouthpart assembly exhibits a compact, armored configuration optimized for efficient blood extraction and long‑term attachment to a host.