How Snake Venom Travels Through the Human Body

Snake venom is a complex mix of proteins, enzymes, and peptides. After a bite:

Injection: Venom deposited in skin/deep tissue via fangs.
Local infiltration: Enzymes break tissue barriers, spreading venom locally.
Lymphatic transport: Venom enters lymphatic vessels, reaches regional nodes, then enters bloodstream.
Hematogenous spread: Circulates systemically to heart, liver, kidneys, lungs.
Cardiovascular distribution: Rapid delivery to distant organs causes systemic effects (neurological, hematological, cardiovascular, renal, hepatic).
Tissue damage: Local necrosis, swelling, pain at bite site.

Distribution varies by snake species, venom dose, and victim health. Immediate medical care is critical.