Forensic Medicine MCQs Spinal Poisons

Q-1. Strychnine mainly acts at
a) Heart
b) Anterior horn cells
c) Posterior horn cells
d) All of the above

Answer: Anterior horn cells
Explanation:
Strychnine is a powerful alkaloid obtained from the seeds of Strychnos nux vomica.
Strychnine has an intense bitter taste.
It competitively blocks ventral horn motor neuron post-ganglionic receptor sites in the spinal cord and prevent the effects of glycine (inhibitory transmitter).
Widespread inhibition in the spinal cord results in release excitation.
The action is particularly noted in the anterior horn cells.
It stimulates the cerebral cortex.
Important point:
Most sensitive substrate to tongue is bitter.

Q-2. Nux vomica contains brucine in which of the following alkaloids
a) Cerberin
b) Strychnine
c) Hyoscyamine
d) Hyoscine

Answer: Strychnine
Explanation:
See above explanation.

Q-3. Which is spinal poison?
a) Strychnine
b) Organo-phosphorus
c) Oleander
d) Cannabis

Answer: Strychnine
Explanation:
See above explanation.

Q-4. Tongue is most sensitive to
a) Dhatura
b) Strychnine
c) Hemlock
d) Nerium

Answer: Strychnine
Explanation:
See above explanation.