What does tetanus affect?

Tetanus primarily affects the nervous system, particularly targeting the central nervous system and spinal cord. The bacteria responsible for tetanus, Clostridium tetani, produce a toxin that interferes with normal neurotransmission. This disruption can lead to severe muscle contractions and convulsions, as the toxin prevents the release of inhibitory neurotransmitters, resulting in unchecked muscle activity.

This impact on the nervous system is the reason why individuals with tetanus can experience symptoms such as spasms, stiffness, and lockjaw. Understanding this mechanism is crucial for recognizing the importance of vaccination against tetanus, as it can prevent the onset of these debilitating symptoms. The other systems mentioned do not experience the direct effects of tetanus in the same way, which highlights the specificity of the disease's impact on the nervous system.