Duvernoy's gland

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The Duvernoy's glands , also known as the upper lip glands, are poison-producing glands of some snakes (Colubridae), which are functionally but not morphologically homologous to the poison glands of the poisonous snakes (Elapidae) and vipers (Viperidae). The Duvernoy's glands lie behind the eyes, are surrounded by very thin connective tissue and consist mainly of serous cells. A single, short passage leads forward from the lumen to the base of the rear teeth into the oral cavity . In a mirage snakes designated colubrids teeth are notched for better poison transfer. The glands are controlled via the upper branch of the trigeminal nerve and the facial nerve , and the blood supply is provided via the lateral branches of the internal carotid artery . The glands produce toxic proteins, which are often blamed for symptoms of poisoning after bites from traditionally considered non-toxic snakes. In grass snakes ( Natrix natrix ) was of acute hand reported after a bite on the finger swelling and discoloration, but pain was not on.

swell

  • K. Jackson: The evolution of venom delivery systems in snakes . In: Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. 137, 2003, pp. 337–354 ( full text ; PDF; 714 kB)
  • A. Gläßer-Trobisch, D. Trobisch: Bite accident in a grass snake feeding . In: elaphe. 16 (2), 2008, pp. 59-61.