Locomotion in an earthworm

Earthworms have a
hydrostatic skeleton.

Circular and longitudinal
muscles of the body wall
press against the fluid,
creating a pressure in
the fluid to maintain the
shape of the earthworm.

Movement of the earthworm
is brought about by the
contraction and
relaxation of the
circular and longitudinal
muscles alternating each
other (antagonistic).
When the earthworm
moves forward, the
circular muscles at
the anterior end
contract. The
compressed fluid
cause the relaxed
longitudinal muscles
to lengthen. The
segments extend and
the body moves
forward

Following this
extension movement,
the longitudinal
muscles at anterior
end contract, the
circular muscles
relax and body
shorten