A head holder and stereotaxic device for the rattlesnake.

We describe an apparatus for immobilization of the rattlesnake head for brain experimentation. Its design also allows its use as a stereotaxic instrument for electrophysiological studies employing microelectrodes. Attachment of the head is at the two orbital ridges and the hard palate. The bregma provides a zero reference for the frontal, lateral, and depth coordinates.