Final answer:
Ricin causes pulmonary edema and circulatory failure. It disrupts protein synthesis, leading to tissue damage, organ failure, and acute effects on the respiratory and circulatory systems.
Step-by-step explanation:
When introduced into the body, ricin causes pulmonary edema and circulatory failure. Ricin is a toxin that can lead to cell destruction, and when inhaled, ingested, or injected, it can disrupt protein synthesis within cells, leading to tissue damage and organ failure. The most acute manifestations of ricin poisoning can be observed in the respiratory and circulatory systems, where it can lead to pulmonary edema, which is fluid accumulation in the lungs, and ultimately circulatory failure, likely due to a combination of vascular damage and effects on the heart.