L1 - L4:
first through fourth larval stages of nematodes.
lacuna:
a canal within the tegument of Acanthocephala.
lacunar system:
a ladder-like network of lacunae.
larva:
general term for any life cycle stage between egg and adult. In insects it is he stage which hatches from the egg.
larviparous:
producing eggs which hatch within the female and emerge as larvae.
Laurer's canal:
a blind canal terminating at the base of the seminal receptacle in Digenea; possibly a vestigial vagina.
lemniscus:
paired structure attached to the inner, posterior part of the neck of Acanthocephala.
lesion:
physically damaged area of host tissue caused by a foreign agent.
ligament sac:
one or two thin sacs arising at the base of the proboscis receptacle of Acanthocephala and extending to near the genital pore; the reproductive organs are enclosed.
lip:
a fleshy projection around the oral opening of nematodes.
lobate:
having a lobed structure, or with an irregular margin suggestive of the presence of separate lobes.
loculus:
a sucker-like depression.
lycophore:
ciliated, 10-hooked larva of Cestodaria.