Which term describes any substances that damages specific organs or organ systems of the body?

Which term describes any substances that damages specific organs or organ systems of the body?

• A. Carcinogen
• B. Mutagen
• C. Systemic Poison
• D. Teratogen

Answer: (C)

Systemic poisons describe substances that, once absorbed, circulate through the bloodstream and can injure multiple organs or organ systems. This broad impact sets them apart from toxins that cause a specific effect like cancer (carcinogens), genetic changes (mutagens), or birth defects during development (teratogens). An example is lead, which can affect the nervous system, kidneys, blood, and other organs—illustrating how systemic toxicity involves damage to several body parts rather than just one. So, for substances that harm various organs or organ systems, the term systemic poison fits best.

Systemic poisons describe substances that, once absorbed, circulate through the bloodstream and can injure multiple organs or organ systems. This broad impact sets them apart from toxins that cause a specific effect like cancer (carcinogens), genetic changes (mutagens), or birth defects during development (teratogens). An example is lead, which can affect the nervous system, kidneys, blood, and other organs—illustrating how systemic toxicity involves damage to several body parts rather than just one. So, for substances that harm various organs or organ systems, the term systemic poison fits best.