Snake Anatomy, Biology, and Myanmar Species Identification

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering snake anatomy, evolutionary history, Myanmar species, and the physiological effects of different venoms based on lecture notes.

Dorsal hollow nerve cord

A primary feature of chordates consisting of a tube of nervous tissue located on the back or dorsal side.

Notochord

A cartilaginous or flexible, rod-like structure forming on the dorsal side of the gut in embryos to provide structural support.

Pharyngeal slits

Filter-feeding organs or gill-like openings found in the throat (pharynx) area of chordates.

Lizard ancestry

The evolutionary lineage suggesting snakes evolved from ancient lizards during Mesozoic times.

Mesozoic

The era of Earth's history often called the "Age of Reptiles," occurring roughly $252$ to $66$ million years ago.

Rami (of the mandible)

The two halves or branches of the lower jaw.

Mandible

The lower jaw bone.

Symphysis

The flexible union, junction, or point where the two halves of the lower jaw meet in the front, connected by elastic fibres.

Palatines / Pterygoids

Movable bones located in the roof of the mouth (palate) that aid in swallowing.

Sternum / Episternum

The breastbone and associated skeletal structures; these are notably absent in snakes to allow their bodies to dilate.

Rudiments

Undeveloped or vestigial remains of a structure, such as the transparent scales covering a snake's eye.

Procoelous

A type of vertebrae that is concave (curved inward) at the front.

Trunk

The main part of the body, excluding the head and tail.

Capitula

The "heads" or attachment points of the ribs.

Ventral / Ventrally

Refers to the underside or belly-side of the animal.

Basal

Located at the base or starting point of a structure.

Ecdysis

The formal biological process of molting or shedding the skin.

Distensible

Capable of being stretched or expanded, such as the snake's throat or pharynx for swallowing large prey.

Shields

Large, non-overlapping scales on a snake's body, particularly on the belly.

Retractile

The ability to pull a part, such as the tongue, back inside the body.

Protractile

The ability to extend or push a part forward or out of the body.

Sheath

A protective covering or pocket into which a part, like the tongue, can be withdrawn.

Spectacles

Clear, scale-like covers developed from eyelid rudiments that protect the eyes since snakes cannot blink.

Caudal / Precaudal

Terms referring to the tail (caudal) and the part of the spine located before the tail (precaudal).

Articulate

To form a joint or connect bones together.

Transverse processes

Bony parts that stick out from the sides of the spine where ribs articulate.

Tactile

Related to the sense of touch; the tongue is used as this type of organ.

Neurotoxic

A type of venom or poison that attacks the nervous system and destroys normal body performances.

Hemotoxic (Haemotoxic)

A type of venom or poison that attacks the blood, lymph vessels, and circulatory system.

Cytolysis

The process where cells, such as Red Blood Corpuscles, burst, dissolve, or are destroyed.

Oedema (Edema)

Medical swelling caused by the accumulation of fluid trapped in the body's tissues.

Anteriorly

At or toward the front of the body or head.

Quadrate bone

A specific bone that connects the lower jaw to the skull, acting as an extra hinge to allow the mouth to open wider.

Palate

The roof of the mouth.

Distended

Swollen, expanded, or stretched out of shape.

Glottis

The opening of the windpipe, which can be pushed forward to permit respiration during swallowing.

Respiration

The act of breathing.

Asphyxiation

Extreme difficulty in breathing or the state of being unable to breathe, leading to death.

Hemorrhage

Heavy bleeding from ruptured blood vessels, such as in the intestine during a Krait bite.

Trismus

Often called "lockjaw"; a firm closing of the jaw due to muscle spasms.

Ptosis

The drooping of the upper eyelid.

External ophthalmoplegia

Paralysis of the muscles that move the eyes.

Myoglobin

A protein found in muscle tissue; its presence in urine indicates severe muscle damage.

Paresis

Muscle weakness caused by nerve damage or disease.

Laterally compressed

Flattened from side to side, characteristic of sea snake bodies and oar-shaped tails.

Loreal pit

A heat-sensing hole located between the nostril and the eye, used to identify Pit Vipers.

Hexagonal

Having six sides; characterizes the central row of enlarged scales on a Krait’s backbone.

Supralabial / Infralabial

Scales located on the upper lip (supralabial) or lower lip (infralabial).

Occipital scales

Large scales located on the back of the head, used to identify a King Cobra.

Oviparous

Producing young by means of eggs that hatch after they are laid.

Incubates

To sit on eggs to keep them warm so they can hatch.

Keeled

Having a raised ridge down the center of each scale, making the skin feel rough.

Cervical ribs

Ribs located in the neck region that a snake spreads to create its hood.

Diocellate / Monocellate

Terms referring to having two eye-spots (diocellate) or one eye-spot (monocellate) on a cobra's hood.

Viviparous

Bringing forth live young that have developed inside the body of the parent, as seen in Vipers.

Nocturnal

Active mainly during the night.

Anti-coagulant

A substance that prevents blood from clotting, causing continuous oozing of blood.