Alcohol Effects on the Body Flashcards
6 cards from real SMARTSERVE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Alcohol Effects on the Body flashcards as text
Which organ is primarily responsible for metabolizing alcohol in the body?
Answer: The liver
The liver is the primary organ responsible for metabolizing alcohol, breaking it down at a rate of approximately one standard drink per hour.
Approximately how long does it take the liver to process one standard drink?
Answer: One hour
The liver metabolizes approximately one standard drink per hour, meaning BAC cannot be reduced faster than this rate.
Which part of the brain is affected first by alcohol, leading to initial feelings of relaxation and lowered inhibitions?
Answer: The prefrontal cortex (frontal lobe)
The prefrontal cortex, responsible for judgment and impulse control, is among the first brain regions impaired by alcohol, causing relaxation and disinhibition.
What effect does alcohol have on reaction time?
Answer: It slows reaction time by depressing the central nervous system
Alcohol depresses the central nervous system, which significantly slows reaction time and impairs coordination even at relatively low BAC levels.
What is the approximate BAC at which a person's driving ability is considered legally impaired in Ontario?
Answer: 0.08%
In Ontario, a BAC of 0.08% (80 mg of alcohol per 100 mL of blood) is the legal limit above which a driver is considered criminally impaired.
How does alcohol act pharmacologically on the human body?
Answer: As a depressant that slows down the central nervous system
Alcohol is classified as a central nervous system depressant, which slows brain activity, reduces coordination, and impairs judgment.