Snakes are long, legless reptiles. They have flexible bodies that are covered with dry scales. Since snakes don't have legs, when they are on land they slide on their belly. Snakes eyes are always open. This is because their eyes are covered by clear scales, instead of eyelids. Snakes are usually seen repeatedly flicking their tongue in and out of their mouths. This is because they are bringing in odors to a special sense organ in their mouths. A snake’s behavior helps them to maintain a fairly steady body temperature.
Blood circulation has to do with the circulatory system. The circulatory system has to do with the blood, heart, arteries, veins and capillaries. Capillaries are tubes with a very small internal diameter. The circulatory system has a great deal of work to do. The circulatory system has to make sure that every cell in the body gets nourishment. It also has to make sure that blood reaches all the cells and organs in the body.
Gravity is the force attraction between two objects. A man by the name of Sir Isaac Newton discovered that in order for an object to change its speed or movement, a force is required. Newton also figured out at a given acceleration rate is proportional to the object's mass, the force needed to push an object. Gravity also has a "law." The law is a mathematical description of the consistency observed in the way objects attract. This is based on many scientific experiments and observations.
Snakes, Blood Circulation and Gravity is an article written by a gentleman named Harvey B. Lillywhite. In this article, he speaks about gravity being a pervasive force in the world. Lillywhite also speaks about both animals and plants adapting to gravity in different ways. One example of this is trees. Trees grow to extraordinary heights. Yet, their upper branches still circulate vital fluids. Lillywhite also speaks about terrestrial environments. -He says "In terrestrial environment gravity places special demands on the cardiovascular system of animals." Lillywhite explains that the design of an animal's cardiovascular system reflects its lifestyle. He also says that the extent to which it is affected by gravity; certain animals have proved to be valuable models for studies of circulatory regulations. One animal with this affect is the giraffe. Since its head is so far above its heart, unusually large pressures are needed to circulate blood from its heart to its brain. It is said that snakes have wonderfully effective cardiovascular systems that enable them to circulate blood against the force of gravity.
According to HS Badeer, some climbing snakes have hearts closer to the head than non-climbing snakes. The heart does not have to do too much work because the heart is closer to the head in the body a snake. There is a defect in the heart being closer to the head. According to Badeer, gravitational pressure in the arteries is counterbalanced by the gravitational pressure of the blood in the veins. Still the heart does not do too much work.
According to HB Lillywhite from the Department of Zoology in University of Florida, studies of snakes suggest there are four generalizations concerning adaptive countermeasures to gravity stress. There are increasing levels of regulated arterial blood pressure. Then there are aspects of gross anatomical organization. There is also a natural selection coupled to gravitational stresses. Lastly, there is a natural selection has produced gradients or regional differences of vascular characteristics.
According to Arndt JO Seymour RS, Change in orientation in a gravitational field markedly alter the patterns of blood pressure and flow in animals, especially tall or long ones such as giraffes or snakes. Animals such as giraffes have the blood flow and pressure in the head reduced. One reason for this is the increased vertical column above the heart that creates a gravitational hydrostatic (relating to fluids at rest or under pressure) pressure in which the heart must work more than it is usually suppose to. Another reason for this is an expansion of dependent vessel in the lower extremities. According to Seymour RS, snakes offer the possibility of bending the animal in the region of the heart and manipulating the two ends of the body independently.
According to Johansen K. Seymour RS, blood flowing down the veins of the neck does not assist blood flowing up the arteries. Seymour RS says that all animals have arterial blood pressures. He says that it is capable of carry blood to the head without any help from a siphon. A siphon is a tubular organ, especially of aquatic invertebrates such as squids or clams, by which water is taken in or expelled. With some snakes, Seymour RS says that the heart works harder when it is working against the effects of gravity on the arterial blood column.
As we all now gravity affects all organisms. According to NASA Ames Research Centersnakes are unique in their extent and range of cardiovascular adaptations. There are 16 families of snakes and according to NASA, 2,700 species. These snakes live nearly all over the world except for places such as the Polar Regions, places with high mountain tops, and deep oceans. Snakes are placed in sections by their morphological and physiological adaptations. Morphological is the branch of biology that deals with the form and structure of organisms without consideration of function.
Snakes, Blood Circulation and Gravity are three things you'd have never thought they would go together. Snakes are reptiles. Blood circulates through your veins. And gravity is just basically the force of attraction between two objects.