Cestoda

A subclass of tapeworms (class Cestoidea), containing the typical members of this group, including the segmented tapeworms that parasitize humans and domestic animals. SYN: Eucestoda. [G. kestos, girdle]

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Ces·to·da ses-'tōd-ə n pl a class of the phylum Platyhelminthes comprising the tapeworms and including dorsoventrally flattened parasitic usu. segmented flatworms without cilia that lack a digestive tract and typically consist of a differentiated scolex and a chain of proglottides each including a set of reproductive organs

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Ces·to·da (səs-toґdə) a subclass of Cestoidea comprising the true tapeworms, which have a head or scolex, and segments or proglottides. Adults are endoparasitic in the alimentary tract and associated ducts of various vertebrate hosts; their larval stages (cysticercus, coenurus, hydatid, sparganum) may be found in various organs or tissues. Of the eleven orders, two, Pseudophyllidea and Cyclophyllidea, contain parasitic species. Called also Eucestoda.