How does snake poison travel through the blood in humans?

Snake venom is primarily composed of a complex mixture of proteins, enzymes, peptides, and low-molecular-weight compounds. When a venomous snake bites a person, the venom is injected into the victim's body, typically through the snake's fangs. Here is a general overview of how snake venom travels through the blood in humans:

1. Injection: During a snakebite, the venom is injected into the victim's skin or deep tissues near the bite site.

2. Infiltration: The venom spreads locally through diffusion and the action of enzymes that promote the breakdown of tissue barriers, allowing it to penetrate more deeply into the tissues.

3. Lymphatic System: The lymphatic system, which is a network of vessels and nodes that helps drain fluid from tissues, can transport some of the venom to regional lymph nodes. From the lymph nodes, the venom can potentially enter the bloodstream through lymphatic vessels that connect to the circulatory system.

4. Bloodstream (Hematogenous Spread): Once the venom enters the bloodstream, it circulates throughout the body, affecting various tissues and organs. The composition and potency of the venom determine its specific effects on different systems.

5. Cardiovascular System: The circulatory system plays a critical role in distributing venom throughout the body, including organs like the heart, liver, kidneys, and lungs. This allows the venom's effects to reach distant sites and potentially cause systemic symptoms such as cardiovascular collapse, respiratory depression, and paralysis.

6. Tissue Damage: Snake venoms often contain components that damage tissues, blood vessels, and cells. This can lead to local pain, swelling, inflammation, and necrosis (tissue death) at the bite site.

7. Systemic Effects: Depending on the snake species and venom composition, snake bites can cause a wide range of systemic effects, including:

- Neurological effects (e.g., paralysis, muscle weakness, respiratory depression)

- Hematological effects (e.g., blood clotting disorders, bleeding)

- Cardiovascular effects (e.g., hypotension, increased heart rate)

- Renal failure

- Liver damage

It's important to note that the precise mechanisms by which snake venom travels through the blood and its distribution in the body can vary depending on the species of snake, the amount and composition of the venom injected, and individual factors such as the victim's health status and immune response.