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The lung morphology of snakes is very species-dependent but is obviously elongated. The left lung is always reduced but may vary from 85% of the length of the right lung to being absent. It is relatively well developed in [[Boidae|boids]] but only vestigial in [[Colubridae|colubrids]]. The anterior part of the lung is non-respiratory and functions as an air sac for gas exchange. In [[Boidae|boids]] and [[Colubridae|colubrids]], the respiratory portion of the lung lies between the [[Snake Cardiovascular System|heart]] and the cranial liver whereas in most [[Viperidae|viperids]] and [[Elapidae|elapids]] it is cranial to the [[Snake Cardiovascular System|heart]]. The posterior part is thin-walled and non-respiratory, mainly functions as an air sac and contains a major portion of the volume of the respiratory tract. In terrestrial snakes this air sac terminates in the intestinal mesentery near the gallbladder while in aquatic species it may reach to the [[Cloaca|cloaca]] and is thicker and more muscular.
The lung morphology of snakes is very species-dependent but is obviously elongated. The left lung is always reduced but may vary from 85% of the length of the right lung to being absent. It is relatively well developed in [[Boidae|boids]] but only vestigial in [[Colubridae|colubrids]]. The anterior part of the lung is non-respiratory and functions as an air sac for gas exchange. In [[Boidae|boids]] and [[Colubridae|colubrids]], the respiratory portion of the lung lies between the [[Snake Cardiovascular System|heart]] and the cranial liver whereas in most [[Viperidae|viperids]] and [[Elapidae|elapids]] it is cranial to the [[Snake Cardiovascular System|heart]]. The posterior part is thin-walled and non-respiratory, mainly functions as an air sac and contains a major portion of the volume of the respiratory tract. In terrestrial snakes this air sac terminates in the intestinal mesentery near the gallbladder while in aquatic species it may reach to the [[Cloaca|cloaca]] and is thicker and more muscular.
'''For more information, see''' [[Lizard and Snake Respiration]] '''and''' [[Snake Respiratory System]].
'''For more information, see''' [[Lizard and Snake Respiration]].
[[Category:Snake_Anatomy]]
[[Category:Snake_Anatomy]]