What primary effect does the neurotoxic venom of Dendroaspis viridis have on the body?
Answer
Targeting the nervous system, leading to paralysis and respiratory failure
As an elapid, the venom profile of *Dendroaspis viridis* is characterized primarily as neurotoxic. Neurotoxins specifically interfere with the function of the nervous system. In the case of mamba venom, this disruption attacks the communication pathways between nerves and muscles, resulting in progressive paralysis. If the paralysis affects the diaphragm and respiratory muscles, untreated envenomation will lead directly to respiratory failure, which is the primary cause of fatality associated with potent neurotoxic snake bites.
Related Questions
What structural feature distinguishes Family Elapidae, which includes Dendroaspis viridis, from vipers?What lifestyle is described by the Greek derivation of the Genus name Dendroaspis?What specific Latin meaning is assigned to the specific epithet viridis for Dendroaspis viridis?What embryonic structure confirms the placement of the Western Green Mamba within Phylum Chordata?What primary effect does the neurotoxic venom of Dendroaspis viridis have on the body?According to the text, which West African nation is explicitly part of the geographical range of D. viridis?What is the basis for the name of Order Squamata, which includes all lizards and snakes?How does the conservation classification of Dendroaspis viridis generally compare to the Black Mamba (D. polylepis)?What defining feature must reptiles in Class Reptilia exhibit, which includes the Western Green Mamba?What key ecological distinction separates the arboreal niche of D. viridis from the niche of D. polylepis?