Tetanus affects which body system?

Tetanus affects which body system?

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

Answer: (D)

Tetanus primarily affects the nervous system. The disease comes from tetanospasmin, a potent toxin made by Clostridium tetani. After infection, the toxin travels along nerves into the central nervous system and blocks the release of inhibitory neurotransmitters such as GABA and glycine. Without these brakes, motor neurons fire unchecked, causing the severe muscle stiffness and spasms that are characteristic of tetanus. While breathing can be affected if speech- and swallowing-related or chest muscles spasm, the fundamental target of the toxin is the nervous system.

Tetanus primarily affects the nervous system. The disease comes from tetanospasmin, a potent toxin made by Clostridium tetani. After infection, the toxin travels along nerves into the central nervous system and blocks the release of inhibitory neurotransmitters such as GABA and glycine. Without these brakes, motor neurons fire unchecked, causing the severe muscle stiffness and spasms that are characteristic of tetanus. While breathing can be affected if speech- and swallowing-related or chest muscles spasm, the fundamental target of the toxin is the nervous system.