Overview of the snake skeleton — a greatly elongated spine of many vertebrae, each bearing ribs, that enables the body's characteristic flexible, limbless movement.
General educational reference only — not clinical or veterinary advice. Anatomy varies between individual animals; consult a licensed veterinarian for any health concern.
A spine of many vertebrae
A snake's skeleton is dominated by a long vertebral column made up of a very large number of vertebrae, far more than in most other animals. Each vertebra connects to its neighbors through joints that permit extensive side-to-side bending. This long, flexible spine is the foundation of the snake's body plan.
Ribs along the body
Most of the body's vertebrae carry a pair of ribs, so ribs run along nearly the entire length of the trunk. These ribs support the body wall and, in many snakes, assist in movement and in expanding the body to swallow large prey. Snakes lack a sternum that would otherwise close the ribcage at the front.
A limbless frame
Snakes generally lack functional limbs, and the skeleton is adapted for movement driven by the spine, ribs, and body-wall muscles. Some snakes retain tiny vestigial remnants of a pelvis or hind limbs. This article describes normal skeletal anatomy as general educational reference.
