page_title: Snake skeleton
section_title: Solenoglyph
hierarchical_section_title: Snake skeleton / Skull / Snake dentition / Solenoglyph
caption_attribution_description: English: Skull of a rattlesnake, unknown species, probably atrox Deutsch: Schädel einer Klapperschlange, möglicherweise einer Texas-Klapperschlange
context_page_description: A snake skeleton consists primarily of the skull, vertebrae, and ribs, with only vestigial remnants of the limbs.
context_section_description: Solenoglyphous snakes (pipe grooved) have the most advanced venom delivery method of any snake. Each maxilla is reduced to a nub supporting a single hollow fang tooth. The fangs, which can be as long as half the length of the head, are folded against the roof of the mouth, pointing posteriorly.  The skull has a series of interacting elements that ensure that the fangs rotate into biting position when the jaws open.  Solenoglyphous snakes open their mouths almost 180 degrees, and the fangs swing into a position to allow them to penetrate deep into the prey.  While solenoglyph venom is typically less toxic than that of proteroglyphs, this system allows them to deeply inject large quantities of venom. This form of dentition is unique to vipers.
caption: A solenoglyphous snake. A rattlesnake skull (Crotalus sp.)
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