Organophosphate pesticides are chemicals often used in farming to control pests. They affect the nervous system by disrupting an important enzyme called acetylcholinesterase. This enzyme helps break down a chemical messenger, acetylcholine, which nerve cells use to send signals to each other and to muscles. When organophosphates interfere with this process, it can cause issues with how nerves and muscles work together.
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All definitions are adaptations from Martin EA, Law J. Concise Medical Dictionary and Concise Colour Medical Dictionary. Oxford; New York, NY: Oxford University Press; 2020.