**Core Concept**
The cause of death in hanging is due to a combination of factors, primarily involving the compression of the neck structures and the subsequent impairment of vital functions. This compression affects the airway, blood vessels, and nervous tissue, ultimately leading to asphyxia, cardiac arrest, and death.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer involves the understanding of the pathophysiology of hanging. When a person hangs, the weight of the body compresses the neck structures, including the trachea, esophagus, and major blood vessels. This compression causes the trachea to narrow or even become completely occluded, leading to asphyxia. The impairment of blood flow to the brain and other vital organs further exacerbates the situation, resulting in cardiac arrest and ultimately, death.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is not relevant to the cause of death in hanging. Hanging does not typically involve the ingestion of substances, making this option incorrect.
* **Option B:** While cardiac arrest can be a contributing factor to death in hanging, it is not the primary cause. The question is asking for the primary cause of death, making this option incorrect.
* **Option C:** This option is also incorrect as it does not accurately describe the primary cause of death in hanging. The primary cause of death is due to the compression of the neck structures and the subsequent impairment of vital functions.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key point to remember is that the mechanism of death in hanging can be influenced by factors such as the height of the drop, the presence of a ligature, and the duration of the hanging. However, the primary cause of death remains the compression of the neck structures.

**Correct Answer:** B. Asphyxia due to compression of neck structures.