Final answer:
The minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of most volatile anesthetics is the highest during infancy, requiring higher concentrations compared to other life stages.
Step-by-step explanation:
For most volatile anesthetics, the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) is the highest during infancy. This is a measure of anesthetic potency, indicating the concentration needed to prevent movement in response to a surgical incision in 50% of patients. The MAC values are typically lowest in neonates and the elderly; however, it is during infancy that MAC values peak, making infants require higher concentrations of volatile anesthetics compared to children, adults, and older adults. An understanding of physiological changes during the life cycle, such as differences in body composition, cardiovascular function, and cerebral metabolism, contributes to the variability of MAC across different ages.