Veterinary Technician Practice Exam

Where do endoparasites reside in relation to the animal?

1. On the skin

2. Inside the animal

3. In the environment

4. In external organs

The correct answer is: Inside the animal

Endoparasites are organisms that live inside the host organism. They typically reside in internal organs, tissues, or the digestive tract of the animal, where they can feed off the host's nutrients, blood, or tissues. This internal adaptation allows them to thrive and often leads to various health issues for the host, including nutrient deficiencies and inflammatory responses. The other options refer to different types of parasites. For instance, parasites that live on the skin are classified as ectoparasites, which reside externally. Those in the environment, such as soil or water, can also be distinct from endoparasites since they do not directly inhabit the host's body. Lastly, the mention of external organs also pertains to ectoparasitic behavior rather than endoparasitic, as endoparasites specifically inhabit the internal environment of their host. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the unique position of endoparasites within the animal's body.