How does a snake swallow a mouse? - briefly
After immobilizing the mouse with a bite, a snake expands its jaw joints and stretches the skin to let the rodent pass headfirst into the esophagus. Muscular peristalsis moves the prey toward the stomach, where digestive enzymes break it down.
How does a snake swallow a mouse? - in detail
Snakes capture prey with a rapid strike, using their jaws to secure the mouse against their teeth. The upper jaw, attached to the skull by flexible ligaments, can separate into two halves, allowing expansion. The lower jaw is similarly hinged, giving a wide gape that accommodates the entire body of the rodent.
Once the mouse is held, the snake begins the swallowing sequence:
- Head positioning – The snake aligns the mouse’s head with its own, reducing resistance as the prey moves forward.
- Jaw extension – Muscles contract to pull the upper and lower jaws around the mouse, while the quadrate bone pivots, increasing the mouth opening.
- Muscular peristalsis – Sequential contraction of the esophageal muscles creates a wave-like motion that pushes the prey down the throat.
- Skin and scale flexibility – The skin stretches, and overlapping scales slide over one another, preventing tearing as the body passes through the narrow oral cavity.
- Vestibular expansion – The throat and cloacal region expand via connective tissue and cartilage, providing additional space for the prey’s torso.
During ingestion, the snake’s saliva, rich in enzymes and mild toxins, begins to break down tissue, facilitating later digestion. The animal’s metabolism slows, and the digestive tract secretes gastric acids that will fully dissolve the mouse over several days, depending on the snake’s size and ambient temperature.
The entire process can take from a few minutes to an hour, with larger species requiring more time to accommodate bigger prey. After the mouse is completely inside, the snake remains motionless while the stomach contracts, mixing the contents with digestive fluids until the prey is reduced to a nutrient‑rich broth.