Which body system do organophosphate pesticides affect?

• A. Respiratory system
• B. Digestive system
• C. Nervous system
• D. Circulatory system

Answer: (C)

Organophosphate pesticides disrupt nerve signaling by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine in synapses. When acetylcholine isn’t degraded, it keeps stimulating nerve receptors, leading to widespread overactivation of the nervous system. This is why the nervous system is the primary system affected. You’ll see signs that reflect excessive cholinergic activity—such as muscle twitching and weakness, trouble breathing, salivation, sweating, and pinpoint pupils—which stem from overstimulated nerves and glands. Other systems can show related symptoms because nerve signals regulate many organs, but the core effect comes from disrupted nervous system transmission.