[1] The microtriches are fine cylindrical tubular filaments, with smooth rounded ends, and arranged in rows corresponding to the regular ridges of the tegument.
Microtriches are documented to exhibit wide range of morphology in different species of tapeworms, and serve as an identifying character among the members of Eucestoda.
Standardised terms were resolved based on discussions that occurred at the International Workshops on Cestode Systematics in Storrs, Connecticut, United States in 2002, in České Budějovice, Czech Republic in 2005 and in Smolenice, Slovakia in 2008.
[4] The following terms were endorsed for the components of each microtrix: the distal, electron-dense portion is the "cap", the proximal more electron-lucent region is the "base", and these two parts are separated from one another by the "baseplate".
[5][6] All cestodes lack digestive and excretory systems, therefore, the tegument with its microtriches constitute the principal site of absorption of nutrients and elimination of waste materials.