Large Constrictor Question

[Mr_Goodbytes]

With a large green annie being able to exert the equivalent of 7 tons of constriction onto its' prey and the other big constrictors being able to do around the same, what stops this pressure injuring the snake itself?

[strictly_scales]

The snakes have evoleved to exert that kind of pressure. They wouldn't have made it this far if they damaged themselves. I don't know the physics or bio-mechanics of it- thats the beauty of evolution. It's a bit like the bumble bee in those respects.

[jonnymarto]

one word. evolution.

[PrimalUrges]

When the snake constricts, its muscles contract, making them hard. If you think about the difference between being punched in the stomach when your muscles are relaxed and when they are tensed, the damage is seriously limited when you have a hardened layer of muscle covering your guts. The same must be true for large muscle bound constrictors...

Add to this the fact that the snake is the one exerting the pressure and not recieving it and its not too difficult to see why they don't injure themselves every time they constrict.