HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

Which system of the body does asphyxiation primarily affect?

1. Digestive system

2. Nervous system

3. Respiratory system

4. Muscular system

The correct answer is: Respiratory system

Asphyxiation primarily affects the respiratory system because it involves a lack of oxygen reaching the lungs and, consequently, the bloodstream. This condition can occur due to obstruction of the airways, inadequate breathing, or any situation that prevents oxygen from being inhaled effectively. When the respiratory system is compromised, the body's ability to oxygenate blood is drastically reduced, leading to severe physiological consequences. Without sufficient oxygen, vital organs like the brain and heart can begin to fail, which is why timely intervention is crucial in cases of asphyxiation. While the nervous system can be impacted due to insufficient oxygen leading to loss of consciousness or neurological damage, the root cause starts with the failure of the respiratory system to allow for proper gas exchange. The other systems listed, such as the digestive and muscular systems, do not directly relate to the mechanism of asphyxiation in the same way that the respiratory system does.