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The cardiovascular system of snakes is similar to other non-crocodilian reptiles but is modified for their linear shape.

The cardiovascular system of snakes is similar to other non-crocodilian reptiles but is modified for their linear shape.

==Systemic venous return==

==Systemic venous return==

Snakes have both renal and hepatic portal circlations.  Jugulars are located anterior to the heart near the trachea and may be cannulated by a cutdown procedure.  The right jugular is larger than the left.  Blood returns to the heart from the systemic circulation through the sinus venosus.  

Snakes have both renal and hepatic portal circlations.  Jugulars are located anterior to the heart near the [[Snake Respiratory System|trachea]] and may be cannulated by a cutdown procedure (see Lizard and Snake Surgery|surgery]].  The right jugular is larger than the left.  [[Lizard and Snake Haemopoietic System|Blood]] returns to the heart from the systemic circulation through the sinus venosus.  

==Heart==

==Heart==

The position of the heart varies among [[:Category:Snake Species|species]] and, as there is no diaphragm, it is mobile within the [[Snake Musculoskeletal System|ribcage]].  Heart position varies slightly with its ecological niche and [[Snake Taxonomy|phylogenetic position]], and its mobility may facilitate the passage of relatively large prey (see [[Snake Feeding|snake feeding]].  The heart has three chambers: right and left atria and one ventricle.  The right atrium receives deoxygenated blood from the systemic circulation and the left receives oxygenated blood from lungs via the left and right pulmonary veins.  The ventricle has internal ridges that enable a considerable functional separation between the oxygenated and deoxygenated blood.  It is divided into three subchambers: the cavum pulmonale, cavum venosum and cavum arteriosum.

The position of the heart varies among species and, as there is no diaphragm, it is mobile within the ribcage.  Heart position varies slightly with its ecological niche and phylogenetic position, and its mobility may facilitate the passage of relatively large prey.  The heart has three chambers: right and left atria and one ventricle.  The right atrium receives deoxygenated blood from the systemic circulation and the left receives oxygenated blood from lungs via the left and right pulmonary veins.  The ventricle has internal ridges that enable a considerable functional separation between the oxygenated and deoxygenated blood.  It is divided into three subchambers: the cavum pulmonale, cavum venosum and cavum arteriosum.

Snakes can control arterial pressure reflexly, but this is diminished when not within the [[POTZ]].  Oxygen dissociation curves of snake [[Lizard and Snake Haemotology|blood]] are also influenced by temperature.

Snakes can control arterial pressure reflexly, but this is diminished when not within the [[POTZ]].  Oxygen dissociation curves of snake [[Lizard and Snake Haemotology|blood]] are also influenced by temperature.

There are two aortae that leave the heart - the right aorta exits from the left side of the ventricle and the left aorta from the right side.  The aortae join caudal to the heart to form the abdominal aorta that extends caudally through the coelomic cavity.  The left systemic arch is larger than the right, the opposite to most tetrapods.   

There are two aortae that leave the heart - the right aorta exits from the left side of the ventricle and the left aorta from the right side.  The aortae join caudal to the heart to form the abdominal aorta that extends caudally through the coelomic cavity.  The left systemic arch is larger than the right, the opposite to most tetrapods.   

Carotids extend cranially from the heart and adjacent to the trachea.  The jugulars may be easily cannulated by a cutdown for placement of an IV catheter.  Sites to collect blood from a snake include a ventral tail vein and cannulated jugular vein, and via cardiocentesis.   

Carotids extend cranially from the heart and adjacent to the trachea.  The jugulars may be easily [[Lizard and Snake Surgery|cannulated]] by a cutdown for placement of an IV catheter.   

 

*Sites to collect blood from a snake include a '''ventral tail vein''' and '''cannulated jugular vein''', and via '''cardiocentesis'''.   

*'''For information on collection of blood in snakes, see [[Snake Blood Collection|here]].'''

*'''For information on collection of blood in snakes, see [[Snake Blood Collection|here]].'''