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How do venomous snakes use hollow teeth to deliver venom?
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tooth
Cross section of an adult human molar.
Venomous snakes utilize specialized salivary glands to produce potent venom, which is delivered through either grooved or tubular teeth designed for internal injection.1
The mechanism of delivery varies by species:
- Viperids: These snakes possess long, tubular fangs located on a short, rotatable maxillary bone, allowing for efficient injection.12
- Elapids: Cobras and their relatives feature a single, short, hollow fang fixed in a stationary position on the maxillary bone.12
- Rear-fanged snakes: These species have enlarged teeth at the posterior end of the maxillary that feature a groove or canal on the anterior edge to conduct venom as they bite and chew their prey.12
These specialized teeth serve as critical devices for the rapid immobilization of prey, allowing snakes to secure food effectively.1