The glottis, which is the entry to the trachea (breathing tube), can move to either side, to allow the snake to swallow prey. This is the tube you see when you look at the floor of a snake's mouth. Cartilage around the opening of the tube closes to prevent food from entering the respiratory tract, and produces the classic "hiss" in many snakes.
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    • The Reptile King
      Pic of Green vine snake (Oxybelis fulgidus) The vine snake has two larger teeth at the back of its mouth; these teeth permit the toxic saliva to penetrate the wounds and to immobilize the prey. Then it is rapidly swallowed. Once the prey is... completely in the snakes body, the vine snake searches for a resting place, usually in the highest point of a tree.
      Vine snakes must be kept in large terrariums with a height of at least 2 meters and a surface of 6-16 square meters. The behavior towards humans is neutral and the snake usually goes to the other end of the terrarium. Some adapt very well and even come nearer. A vine snake bite is very painful and may immobilize a finger for months. They should only be kept by experienced hobbyists.      See More
      December 12, 2009 at 9:09pm
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