Snake Respiratory Mechanism
Most snakes possess a single lung that extends along the length of their body, although some species may have two lungs. Snakes breathe through both their nostrils and mouths; within their mouths is a movable opening known as the glottis. Additionally, several aquatic snake species are capable of breathing through their skin, a process referred to as cutaneous respiration.
The Lung
Typically, snakes have one right lung, which is large and spans much of their body, often extending to the middle of the torso. The length of the right lung varies among different species and includes small air sacs that fill with air during inhalation, allowing oxygen to transfer into the bloodstream.
During the exhalation process, carbon dioxide is expelled from the body. Some snakes also possess a left lung, which is smaller than the right lung and aids in respiratory function within the trachea.
The Trachea
The snake’s body supports the trachea with semicircular cartilaginous rings. In certain snake species, this structure is referred to as the tracheal lung, essential for oxygen intake. Snakes inhale and exhale by expanding and contracting their rib cage using the muscles surrounding the ribs, which are crucial for the breathing process.
Underwater Breathing
Snakes can remain submerged for periods ranging from 5 to 30 minutes while searching for prey, with some species capable of staying underwater for up to two hours. The duration of their dives depends on water temperature and depth. Before diving, snakes store oxygen by taking rapid breaths, typically staying close to the water’s surface. Notably, a small air sac located at the base of the right lung assists snakes in increasing their duration underwater.
Marine Snakes
Marine snakes represent an evolutionary adaptation from terrestrial snakes over the past 16 million years, with approximately 3 million species identified. These snakes breathe similarly to marine fish, utilizing a network of blood vessels akin to gills. They also have valves that enable them to close their nostrils underwater and possess the ability to absorb oxygen and release carbon dioxide through their skin.
The ringed sea snake has gills located on its forehead, while highly venomous blue sea snakes regularly surface for air. These snakes inhabit tropical waters in Southeast Asia, particularly in coral reefs and warm coastal areas.
Interesting Facts about Snake Respiration
Here are several intriguing facts regarding the respiratory mechanisms of snakes:
- Snakes can hold their breath for extended periods, ranging from five minutes to over an hour.
- They can alter their breathing patterns based on environmental factors; for instance, the garter snake adjusts its breath rate according to the surrounding levels of carbon dioxide.
- When carbon dioxide inhalation exceeds oxygen intake, snakes increase their breathing rate to acquire essential gases for survival.
- The presence of the glottis allows snakes to continue breathing while consuming prey.