Locomotion in an

earthworm

Group Name :
1. Agnes
2. Shirly
3. Jenifer
4. Frances
• Earthworms are supported by fluid in the
body cavity ( coelom ).This fluid functions
as a hydrostatic skeleton
• Two antagonistic layers of muscles in the
body wall of earthworm: circular and
longitudinal muscle, which contract to
cause pressure changes in the coelom.
• Circular muscles contract, the
longitudinal muscles relax
 Segments become thinner and longer
• Longitudinal muscle contract, the circular
muscles relax
 Segments become thicker and shorter
• During locomotion, the circular and longitudinal muscles contract to
produce peristaltic waves along the body, beginning at the font end
and moving backwards.
• Chaetae( bristles-like) anchor parts of the body to the ground, so that
other parts can be pulled towards the static parts.
Crawling movement of earthworm

• As the earthworm crawls forward, body segments at its

head and in front of the tail are thick (longitudinal muscles
contracted, circular muscle relaxed) and anchored to the
ground by chaetae.
• Circular muscle at the anterior end contract, cause the segments to
extend and head moves forward.
• Segments behind the head an in front of the tail are now thick and
anchored, thus preventing the worm from slipping backward.
• Head segments are thick again and anchored in
their new position. Rear segments have released
their hold on the ground and pulled forward.