Respiratory System
Snake Diagram
Snakes have a small opening just behind the tongue called the glottis, which opens into the windpipe. The trachea is a long, straw-like structure supported by cartilaginous rings.
Snake
Snakes breathe principally by contracting muscles between their ribs. Unlike mammals, they lack a diaphragm, the large smooth muscle responsible for inspiration and expiration between the chest and abdomen.