Chicago Basset On-Premise Server Practice Test

Alcohol primarily functions as a depressant by affecting which part of the body?

1. Central nervous system

2. Peripheral nervous system

3. Digestive system

4. Respiratory system

The correct answer is: Central nervous system

Alcohol primarily functions as a depressant by affecting the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS includes the brain and spinal cord, which play critical roles in processing information and regulating bodily functions. When alcohol is consumed, it slows down the activity of the CNS, which can lead to various effects such as reduced inhibition, impaired coordination, and slower reaction times. The central nervous system is vital in controlling mood, consciousness, and motor function, making it especially sensitive to the impacts of depressants like alcohol. This interaction is why people may experience relaxation or sedation when drinking, and why excessive consumption can lead to more severe impairments, such as respiratory depression, which could occur when the CNS is significantly affected. In contrast, the other systems listed, such as the peripheral nervous system, digestive system, and respiratory system, are influenced by alcohol but are not the primary targets through which it exerts its depressant effects. The peripheral nervous system, for instance, connects the CNS to limbs and organs, while the respiratory system is involved in gas exchange and can be affected systemically when the CNS is depressed, but the primary interaction at a depressant level occurs in the CNS.