Although snake venoms are composed of a complex collection of toxins, enzymes, and non-toxic substances, they have historically been classified into three main types: cytotoxins, neurotoxins, and hemotoxins. Other types of snake toxins affect specific types of cells and include cardiotoxin, myotoxins, and nephrotoxins. Cytotoxins are poisonous substances that destroy body cells that eventually lead to the death of most or all of the cells in a tissue or organ, a condition known as necrosis. Some tissue may experience liquefactive necrosis in which the tissue is partially or completely liquefied. Cytotoxins help to partially digest the prey before it is even eaten. Most of the observable tissue damage caused by cytotoxins occurs at the site of the bite. Neurotoxins are chemical substances that are poisonous to the nervous system. Neurotoxins work by disrupting chemical signals (neurotransmitters) sent between neurons. They may reduce neurotransmitter production or block neurotransmitter reception sites. Causing muscle paralysis which may also result in respiratory difficulty and death. Snakes of the family Elapidae typically produce neurotoxic venom. These snakes have small, erect fangs and include cobras, mambas, sea snakes, death adders, and coral snakes. Hemotoxins are blood poisons that have cytotoxic effects and also disrupt normal blood coagulation processes. These substances work by causing red blood cells to burst open, by interfering with blood clotting factors, and by causing tissue death and organ damage. Destruction of red blood cells and the inability of blood to clot cause serious internal bleeding. The accumulation of dead red blood cells can also disrupt proper kidney function. While some hemotoxins inhibit blood clotting, others cause platelets and other blood cells to clump together. The resulting clots block blood circulation through blood vessels and can lead to heart failure. Snakes of the family Viperidae, including vipers and pit vipers, produce hemotoxins.
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