Question: where and how is venom is produced

Michel Dugon answered on 12 Nov 2014:

Great question!

– Venom is produced in a particular part of an animal, called the venom gland. Venom glands can be located in many different places depending on the animal:
1) in the sting of a scorpion (basically, his “bum”)
2) behind the mouth of a snake
3) In the belly (bees, wasps, ants)
4) on the back (scorpion fish)
5) on back legs (platypus)

– The venom gland is composed of million of tiny cells that produce the venom. – The venom is first produce in the form of solid granules, and then transported outside the cells, into a kind of little tank filled with water. The granules melt in the water, just like sugar would dissolve in a tea.
– Once enough liquid venom has been produced, little nerves tell the venom gland to stop producing anymore venom granules or liquid.
– When a venomous animal wants to use its venom, the brain sends a message to muscles located all around the venom gland.
– The muscles squeeze the venom out of the gland and into a little tube called a duct.
– The venom runs into the duct and into the sharp end (fangs, sting) planted in the prey / other animal / person.
– The venom flows through a tiny opening (called meatus) at the end of the sting / fang and pours into the victim. This is when the problems start for the victim!
– Right after being emptied, the venom gland will start producing the venom granules again and the whole cycle starts again!