Cobra
A cobra is a venomous snake in the elapid family, usually recognized by its ability to spread the ribs behind its head into a hood when threatened.
Snake venom: A mixture of bioactive substances produced by snakes and delivered through specialized teeth or fangs. Cobra venom can disrupt nerves, damage tissue, or affect blood, depending on the species.
Elapidae: A family of venomous snakes with fixed front fangs, including cobras, mambas, and coral snakes. Cobras belong to this family, whose front-fanged anatomy distinguishes it from many other snakes.
Snakebite: An injury caused by a snake’s bite, sometimes involving venom injected through the skin. Cobra bites can cause severe neurotoxic effects and require urgent medical care.
Viperidae: A family of venomous snakes that includes vipers and pit vipers, generally with hinged, hollow front fangs. Vipers differ from cobras in ancestry and fang structure, despite both causing serious bites.
Indian cobra: A widespread South Asian cobra, Naja naja, with distinctive markings on its hood. It is among the best-known species and features prominently in South Asian culture.
Fang: An elongated tooth adapted to puncture, grip, or deliver venom. Cobras use grooved or hollow fangs to inject venom into prey and threats.
Snake: A limbless reptile with an elongated body and no external ear openings or movable eyelids. Cobras are a specialized group within the broader snake lineage.
Antivenom: A biological medicine containing antibodies or antibody fragments that neutralize specific animal venoms. Antivenom is a principal treatment for serious envenoming by many cobra species.
King cobra: A large Asian venomous snake in the genus Ophiophagus, specializing in eating other snakes. Despite its name and hood, it belongs to a distinct genus from true cobras.
Egyptian cobra: A large African cobra, Naja haje, found across parts of North Africa and the Middle East. Its range and historical associations make it a prominent example of African cobras.