Respiratory System
The vestigial left lung is often small or sometimes even absent, as
snakes' tubular bodies require all of their organs to be long and thin. In
the majority of species, only one lung is functional. This lung contains a
vascularized anterior portion and a posterior portion that does not function in
gas exchange. This 'saccular lung' is used for hydrostatic purposes to adjust buoyancy in some
aquatic snakes and its function remains unknown in terrestrial species. Many
organs that are paired, such as kidneys or reproductive organs, are staggered within the
body, with one located ahead of the other.
Snakes have no lymph nodes.
snakes' tubular bodies require all of their organs to be long and thin. In
the majority of species, only one lung is functional. This lung contains a
vascularized anterior portion and a posterior portion that does not function in
gas exchange. This 'saccular lung' is used for hydrostatic purposes to adjust buoyancy in some
aquatic snakes and its function remains unknown in terrestrial species. Many
organs that are paired, such as kidneys or reproductive organs, are staggered within the
body, with one located ahead of the other.
Snakes have no lymph nodes.