skeleton of a venomous snake: head

rib

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

vertebra

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

quadrate

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

parietal

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

frontal

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

orbit

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

ectopterygoid

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

maxilla

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

fang

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.

palatine

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

pterygoid

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

dentary

Bone of the mandible bearing teeth.

mandible

Toothed bone forming the lower jaw.