text: Mechanics of spitting Spitting cobras of the genera Naja and Hemachatus, when irritated or threatened, may eject streams or a spray of venom a distance of  to . These snakes' fangs have been modified for the purposes of spitting; inside the fangs, the channel makes a 90° bend to the lower front of the fang. Spitters may spit repeatedly and still be able to deliver a fatal bite.
  Spitting is a defensive reaction only. The snakes tend to aim for the eyes of a perceived threat. A direct hit can cause temporary shock and blindness through severe inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva. Although usually no serious symptoms result if the venom is washed away immediately with plenty of water, blindness can become permanent if left untreated. Brief contact with the skin is not immediately dangerous, but open wounds may be vectors for envenomation.
  Physiological effects
  The four distinct types of venom act on the body differently:
  Proteolytic venom dismantles the molecular surroundings, including at the site of the bite.
  Hemotoxic venom acts on the cardiovascular system, including the heart and blood.
  Neurotoxic venom acts on the nervous system, including the brain.
  Cytotoxic venom has a localized action at the site of the bite.