Snake venom

Snake venom is a toxic secretion produced by specialized glands in some snakes and delivered through a bite. Its mixture of bioactive molecules can disrupt blood clotting, nerves, muscles, or tissues.

Snake venom composition: The mixture of proteins, peptides, and other molecules that gives a venom its biological effects. Venom’s effects depend on mixtures whose components and proportions vary among snake species.
Antivenom: A treatment made from antibodies that neutralize toxins in animal venom. Antivenom is the main specific treatment for serious snake envenomation.
Neurotoxin: A toxin that disrupts the structure or function of the nervous system. Some snake venoms disable nerve signaling and cause paralysis.
Snake poison: A toxic substance associated with a snake that causes harm when swallowed or absorbed rather than injected. Venom is delivered through a bite; poison acts through other exposure routes.
Snake venom toxins: Bioactive venom molecules that interfere with physiological processes in a bitten organism. These molecules produce the specific disruptions that make bites dangerous.
Snakebite: A wound caused by a snake’s bite, which may or may not inject venom. Venom’s medical importance is most direct in the injuries caused by bites.
Hemotoxin: A toxin that damages blood cells or disrupts blood and vascular function. Some venom components interfere with clotting or injure blood vessels.
Snake saliva: The fluid secreted by salivary glands in snakes, including venomous species. Venom evolved from oral secretions, but ordinary saliva is not equivalent to venom.
Snake venom gland: A specialized gland that produces and stores venom in venomous snakes. The gland synthesizes and stores the secretion before it is delivered.
Snakebite management: The clinical assessment and treatment of snakebite, including supportive care and antivenom when indicated. Treatment decisions depend on the venom’s effects and the patient’s condition.

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