Are Snakes Vertebrates or Invertebrates?

Believe it or not, contrary to what many believe, snakes are in fact vertebrates. In fact, it is the snake’s many bones that make them so flexible. Snakes are classified in the Subphylum Vertebrata and their backbone is made up of many vertebrae attached to ribs. While we humans have approximately 33 vertebrate and 24 ribs, a snake has between 200 to 400 vertebrae with many ribs attached. All of these bones and ribs are what make them so flexible and able to slither around to and fro so easily.

In addition to this, a snake’s bones and muscles are very strong, which make for great protection to its internal organs. The throat of a snake takes up the front one-third of its body and leads to a very long stomach, which like its throat is able to stretch to the size of whatever prey the snake is feasting upon.

Snakes are also equipped with two long lungs, a long liver, kidneys, and intestines. The last quarter of a snake’s body has a small anal opening that is covered by a scale known as the anal plate. The rest of the snake’s tail is made up of bone.