Israel Leal/Pinterest
There are many species of venomous snakes in the world, all with their own unique venom. Though their venom comes in a few different types that work in different ways, all are dangerous. Though these snake venoms may be different, there are also many similarities in the way snake venom is delivered to the victims.
Nearly all types of venomous snakes have a similar delivery system for their venom. A few species can spit their venom, but most use their fangs to pierce their prey and inject venom beneath the skin, where it can do the most harm. These venom injection systems have four main components: venom glands, muscles, fangs, and ducts.
C. Chesek
Most venomous snakes inject one of three types of venom, cytotoxins, neurotoxins, or hemotoxins. Cytotoxins are substances that destroy a body’s cells, usually a specific type per venom. They can destroy most or all of the cells or a tissue or organ, leading to necrosis. They can even partially liquify affected tissue, pre-digesting it for the snake.
Mgkuijpers
Neurotoxins are substances that attack a person or animal’s nervous system. These venoms can cause a wide array of symptoms, particular to the specific neurotoxin and how it affects the victim’s nervous system. One common symptom among many types of these venoms is partial or complete paralysis, allowing the snake to devour it while it is helpless.
George Herald
Hemotoxins share some effects with cytotoxins, but also specifically affect the victim’s blood. Hemotoxins can cause red blood cells to burst or interfere with blood clotting, as well as destroying tissues like a cytotoxin. A victim of a hemotoxic snake bite often suffers massive internal bleeding, disruption of kidney function and may have random blood clots.
Smithsonian’s National Zoo
The most common medical use for snake venom is to create anti-venoms, which cure a venomous snake bite. However, scientists and doctors have been able to find other uses for different types of venom. Neurotoxin research has lead to drugs for treating strokes and brain diseases. Research into hemotoxins has given doctors insight into treatments for high blood pressure and other blood disorders.
Jorge Davalos