Chapter 24, Problem 17RQ

What is an anesthetic?

To determine

The definition of anesthetics.

Answer to Problem 17RQ

Anesthetics prevents neurons from transmitting sensation to the brain. e.g. nitrous oxide

Explanation of Solution

Physical pain is the complex body response to injury.On the cellular level,pain-including bio-chemicals are rapidly synthesis at the site of injury, where they initiated swelling, inflammation, and other response that get our body attention. These pain signals are sent through the neuron system to the brain, where the pain drugs acts at various stages of this process, anesthetics blocks the transmission of the pain by rendering the patient unconscious. Local anesthetics are applied either typically to numb the skin or by injection to numb the deeper tissues so that the minor surgical and dental procedure can be carried out with lesser pain.

Conclusion:

Therefore, anesthesia is used for blocking the pain sensation to the brain.