Which organ system is primarily affected by nerve agents?

The primary organ system affected by nerve agents is the nervous system. Nerve agents function as potent inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme crucial for the breakdown of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. When this enzyme is inhibited, acetylcholine accumulates at synapses, leading to continuous stimulation of muscles and glands. This disruption can result in a range of severe physiological responses, including muscle twitching, paralysis, respiratory failure, and ultimately, can be fatal if not treated promptly.

Understanding the significance of the nervous system in this context highlights the critical nature of the symptoms and effects produced by nerve agents, which can include convulsions, loss of muscle coordination, and disruption of autonomic functions like heart rate and respiration. While other systems such as the respiratory and digestive systems can be affected as secondary consequences due to the nervous system's influence on bodily functions, the primary and most direct impact lies within the nervous system itself.