What type of agents disrupt nerve impulses to the body while damaging body functions?

Nerve agents are highly toxic substances that disrupt the normal function of the nervous system by inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. This enzyme is responsible for breaking down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is released during nerve impulses. When nerve agents block this enzyme, acetylcholine accumulates in the synapses, leading to continuous stimulation of muscles, glands, and the central nervous system. As a result, vital body functions become impaired, leading to symptoms such as convulsions, loss of bodily control, respiratory failure, and ultimately, death if not treated promptly.

The other types of agents listed function differently; for example, blister agents primarily cause skin and tissue damage rather than directly affecting nerve impulses. Blood agents disrupt the body’s ability to use oxygen at a cellular level, and choking agents primarily harm the respiratory system by damaging lung tissue and causing asphyxiation. Each agent has distinct mechanisms of action, with nerve agents being uniquely responsible for the disruption of nerve impulses and associated bodily functions.