Cobra
Cobra
Cobra (/ˈkoʊbrə/; from Portuguese cobra de capelo or hooded snake) is the common name for members of the family of venomous snakes, Elapidae, known for their threatening hood and potent venom.
Etymology
The term "cobra" is derived from the Portuguese word cobra de capelo, which means "hooded snake". The Portuguese explorers named it so due to the hood-like skin around the snake's neck that it expands when threatened.
Description
Cobras are large venomous snakes that are native to many parts of the world, particularly in Africa, the Middle East, India, Southeast Asia, and Indonesia. They are known for their ability to raise the upper part of their bodies off the ground and spread their neck (or hood) when threatened.
Venom
Cobras are among the most venomous snakes in the world. Their venom contains neurotoxins and cardiotoxins, which can cause paralysis, cardiac arrest, and death in a short period of time if not treated promptly.
Species
There are about 30 species of cobra, including the King Cobra, the world's longest venomous snake, and the Spitting Cobra, which can eject venom from its fangs in a directed spray.
Related Terms
- Elapidae: The family of venomous snakes that cobras belong to.
- Venom: The toxic substance produced by certain animals, including cobras, used to immobilize or kill prey and in self-defense.
- Neurotoxin: A type of toxin that affects the nervous system.
- Cardiotoxin: A type of toxin that affects the heart.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cobra
- Wikipedia's article - Cobra
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