ANIMAL KINGDOM :: REPTILES :: SNAKE :: SKELETON OF A VENOMOUS SNAKE: HEAD image

Highly movable curved bone articulating on the vertebrae; it plays a role in locomotion by providing support on the ground.

Bony part of the dorsal portion of the body mainly supporting the ribs; all the vertebrae together form the vertebral column.

Long bone of the posterior portion of the skull on which the mandible articulates; it allows the mouth to open wide.

Flat bone of the upper portion of the skull articulating with the frontal.

Flat skull bone forming the forehead and top of the eye sockets, and articulating especially with the parietal.

Bony cavity of the upper lateral potion of the head containing the eye.

Very movable bone of the upper jaw joining the maxilla and the pterygoid.

Highly movable bone of the upper jaw bearing fangs and allowing the snake to capture its prey.

Large curved tooth located on the maxilla and connected to the venom gland; it allows the snake to grab its prey to inject it with venom.

Highly movable thin bone of the upper jaw; with the pterygoid, it moves the prey toward the esophagus.

Highly movable bone of the upper jaw; with the palatine, it moves the prey toward the esophagus.

Bone of the mandible bearing teeth.

Toothed bone forming the lower jaw.