Teen Fashion Magazine Cover

INLAND TAIPAN SNAKE ASSIGNMENT 1 VALARMATHY TOXICOLOGY MADAM ANITA RAJAMANIKAM WEINHEIMER LPC20502T 012018090901 Lecturer Name Prepared By

ANATOMY: INLAND TAIPAN SNAKE The inland taipan Based on the median lethal dose value in Although extremely venomous and a (Oxyuranus mice, the venom of the inland taipan is capable striker, in contrast to the rather microlepidotus), by far the most toxic of any snake much defensive coastal taipan, the inland taipan also commonly more so than even that of sea snakes and is usually quite a shy and reclusive snake, known as the it has the most toxic venom of any with a placid disposition, and prefers to western taipan, the reptile when tested on human heart cell escape from trouble. However, it will small-scaled snake culture. The inland taipan is a specialist defend itself and strike if provoked, or the fierce snake, hunter of mammals, so its venom is mishandled, or prevented from escaping. is a species of specially adapted to kill warm-blooded Because it lives in such remote locations, extremely species. It is estimated that one bite the inland taipan seldom comes in contact venomous snake in possesses enough lethality to kill at least with people; therefore it is not considered the family 100 fully grown humans, It is an the deadliest snake in the world overall, Elapidae. The extremely fast and agile snake that can especially in terms of disposition and species is endemic strike instantly with extreme accuracy, human deaths per year.The word \"fierce\" to semi-arid often striking multiple times in the same from its alternative name describes its regions of central attack, and it envenomates in almost venom, not its temperament. east Australia. every case.

The inland taipan is dark tan, ranging from a rich, dark hue to a brownish light-green, depending on the season. Its back, sides and tail may be different shades of brown and grey, with many scales having a wide blackish edge. These dark-marked scales occur in diagonal rows so that the marks align to form broken chevrons of variable length that are inclined backwards and downward. The lowermost lateral scales often have an anterior yellow edge. The dorsal scales are smooth and without keels. The round- snouted head and neck are usually noticeably darker than the body (glossy black in winter, dark brown in summer), the darker colour allowing the snake to heat itself while exposing only a smaller portion of the body at the burrow entrance. The eye is of average size with a blackish-brown iris and without a noticeable coloured rim around the pupil. It has 23 rows of dorsal scales at midbody, between 55 and 70 divided subcaudal scales, and one anal scale. The inland taipan averages approximately 1.8 metres (5.9 ft) in total length, although larger specimens can reach total lengths of 2.5 metres (8.2 ft).[69] Its fangs are between 3.5 and 6.2 mm long (shorter than those of the coastal taipan.

VENOM OF TAIPAN SNAKE As with other venomous snakes causing snakebite Clinical Effects of Taipan Snake Bites in humans, taipan snakes have complex venoms Taipan snakes have highly potent venom and can cause with many components. Only the most important severe envenoming (envenomation) of humans. They are clinically are mentioned here. an uncommon cause of snakebites and occasional Overall taipan snake venom is one of the most snakebite deaths in Australia at present, but represent a potent of all known snake venoms. Inland taipan significant portion of major snakebites in coastal venom is the most potent of all snake venoms. northern Queensland. Envenoming (envenomation) can cause defibrination coagulopathy, renal (kidney) Taipan snake venom contains potent damage or renal failure (kidney failure). They can cause presynaptic neurotoxins (toxins in venom that neurotoxic paralysis (muscle weakness, respiratory cause paralysis or muscle weakness). Also failure), and this is common, and while clinical features present are postsynaptic neurotoxins, which of flaccid paralysis usually take several hours to become are less potent but more rapid-acting than the apparent, occasionally major paralysis develops within presynaptic neurotoxins. just a few hours of the bite. Bites can also cause myolysis Taipan snake venom also contains potent (rhabdomyolysis, muscle damage), but this is procoagulants (toxins in venom that interfere uncommon and not usually severe. with blood clotting, causing consumption of the clotting protein, fibrinogen; this causes defibrination, with non-clottable blood, putting victims at risk of major bleeding). Taipan snake procoagulants are amongst the most powerful snake venom procoagulants known. No renal (kidney) toxins have so far been isolated from taipan snake venoms, but renal failure (kidney failure) is possible though the uncommon effect of taipan snake snakebites in humans, in cases where there is significant envenoming (envenomation). Possibly nephrotoxins – affecting the kidneys. Taipan snake venom does contain myotoxins that cause myolysis (rhabdomyolysis, muscle damage), but this effect is not common and generally not very severe. Taipan snake venom causes generally minor local effects at the snakebite site, such as mild swelling, bruising, and pain, and does not contain necrotoxins. Possibly haemorrhagins – affecting the blood vessels (endothelium). Hyaluronidase enzyme – increases the rate of absorption of venom.

MECHANISM Mechanics of Biting Mechanics of Spitting Several genera, including Asian coral Spitting cobras of the genera Naja and snakes (Calliophis), burrowing asps Hemachatus, when irritated or threatened, may (Atractaspis), and night adders (Causus), eject streams or a spray of venom a distance of 4 are remarkable for having exceptionally to 8 ft. These snakes' fangs have been modified long venom glands, extending along each for the purposes of spitting; inside the fangs, the side of the body, in some cases extending channel makes a 90° bend to the lower front of posterially as far as the heart. Instead of the fang. Spitters may spit repeatedly and still be the muscles of the temporal region able to deliver a fatal bite. serving to press out the venom into the Spitting is a defensive reaction only. The snakes duct, this action is performed by those of tend to aim for the eyes of a perceived threat. A the side of the body. direct hit can cause temporary shock and Considerable variability in biting behavior blindness through severe inflammation of the is seen among snakes. When biting, cornea and conjunctiva. Although usually, no viperid snakes often strike quickly, serious symptoms result if the venom is washed discharging venom as the fangs penetrate away immediately with plenty of water, the skin, and then immediately release. blindness can become permanent if left Alternatively, as in the case of feeding untreated. Brief contact with the skin is not response, some viperids (e.g. Lachesis) bite immediately dangerous, but open wounds may and hold. A proteroglyph or opisthoglyph be vectors for envenomation. may close its jaws and bite or chew firmly for a considerable time. Differences in fang length between the various venomous snakes are likely due to the evolution of different striking strategies