Mortal poison: Understanding Snake Venom and How It Works

Snakes of the family Viperidae have an injection system that is very developed. Venom is continuously produced and stored in venom glands. Before vipers bite their prey, they erect their front fangs. After the bite, muscles around the glands force some of the venom through the ducts and into the closed fang canals. The amount of venom injected is regulated by the snake and depends on the size of the prey. Typically, vipers release their prey after the venom has been injected. The snake waits for the venom to take effect and immobilize the prey before it consumes the animal.