Classification of Poisons and Their Effects

Which of the following best describes the primary action of a corrosive poison?

Which type of poison is associated with the disruption of the messages between the brain and body?

A substance that inhibits brain functions would be classified as which of the following?

Which of these substances is classified as a caustic alkali?

Which of these best categorizes Belladonna?

Classification of Poisons

Poisons can be classified based on their effect on the body (manner of action), reactions within the body, and interactions with other substances.
Chemical properties are also important in understanding poisons.

Corrosives

Corrosives cause tissue destruction upon contact.
Strong acids include sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and hydrochloric acid.
Caustic alkalies include potassium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, and ammonia.
Compounds such as zinc chloride and antimony trichloride are also corrosive.

Irritants

Irritants cause allergic reactions in the body.
Examples include non-metals, salts of metals, vegetable irritants, animal irritants (cantharides), and food irritants.

Narcotics

Narcotics are drugs that relieve pain and induce sleep.
Examples include opium, chloral, synthetic hypnotics, deliriants (belladonna, cocaine), and other groups.

Depressants

Depressants slow down bodily functions.
Neural depressants cause paralysis of the spinal cord (e.g., aconite, conium).
Cerebral depressants inhibit brain functions (e.g., alcohol, other examples).

Explore the various classifications of poisons based on their effects on the body, including corrosives, irritants, narcotics, and depressants. This quiz will test your understanding of how these substances interact with biological systems and their chemical properties.