What is the primary method by which nerve agents affect the body?

Nerve agents primarily affect the body by disrupting the chemical signals in the brain, which is a crucial aspect of their mechanism of action. These agents inhibit the activity of acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme responsible for breaking down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft. When this enzyme is inhibited, acetylcholine accumulates, leading to continuous stimulation of the postsynaptic receptors. This overstimulation results in various symptoms, including muscle twitching, convulsions, and ultimately respiratory failure, as the nervous system becomes overwhelmed.

Understanding this mechanism highlights the devastating effects of nerve agents on the nervous system, distinguishing their action from other types of chemical agents that may affect bodily functions through different pathways, such as oxygen transport or physical tissue damage.