| Definition: |
Specialized organelle found in Giardia species (trophozoite stage) and characterized by a spiral array of microtubules and microtubule-associated structures including dorsal microribbons and crossbridges. The edge of the ventral disc narrows into a lateral crest. The ventral disk mediates mechanical attachment of the trophozoite to the host's intestinal wall, and contains the contractile proteins actinin, alpha-actinin, myosin, and tropomyosin working towards contraction of the disk involved in adherence. |