In this article we will discuss about the structure of snakes. Due to fossorial adaptation, snakes show many peculiar features (Fig. 8.20). External Features: (i) The body of snakes is extremely elongated and cylindrical. (ii) The limbs are absent, except in certain genera where traces of posterior limbs are present at the base of the tail and bear conical claws [...]
The following points highlight the three major poisonous components in a snake. The components are: 1. Poison Gland 2. Poison Ducts 3. Fangs. Snake: Poisonous Components # 1. Poison Gland: The poison glands or venom glands (Fig. 8.29), are situated one on either side of the upper jaw, mainly in the space between the eye and the angle of the [...]
The following points highlight the seven main ligaments and muscles in a snake. 1. The poison gland is held in position by ligaments, which extend from maxillolacrimal junction to pterygoquadrate. 2. Fan-shaped ligaments present along the sides of the poison gland. 3. Associated muscles are anterior and posterior temporalis (masseter), digastric muscles and protractor- pterygoid muscle (Fig. 8.32B) that help [...]