What category of poison would you associate with causing paralysis?

Neurotoxins are a class of poisons specifically known for their ability to interfere with the normal functioning of the nervous system. When exposed to neurotoxins, individuals may experience symptoms such as paralysis because these substances can disrupt neural communication. This disruption may occur at various points, including the synapses between neurons, or they may affect muscles directly, inhibiting their ability to contract and leading to paralysis.

For instance, certain neurotoxins can block neurotransmitter release or mimic neurotransmitters, effectively preventing proper message transmission between nerves and muscles. This results in the loss of voluntary control over those muscles, ultimately leading to paralysis.

In contrast, asphyxiants primarily interfere with oxygen delivery and may cause suffocation rather than paralysis. Cytotoxins attack and kill cells, often leading to tissue damage, but not specifically targeting the nervous system to cause paralysis. Metalloid poisons, depending on their nature, might lead to various toxic effects but are not primarily associated with nerve transmission disruption. Thus, neurotoxins stand out as the category most closely related to causing paralysis.