Question

Use of anesthesia to prevent sensory nerve impulses from reaching the CNS is a ________?

1) Local anesthetic
2) General anesthetic
3) Regional anesthetic
4) Topical anesthetic

Answer 1

The use of anesthesia to prevent sensory nerve impulses from reaching the CNS is known as a local anesthetic. Local anesthetics block nerve conduction in a targeted area, leading to a reversible loss of sensation without affecting consciousness.

Step-by-step explanation:

The use of anesthesia to prevent sensory nerve impulses from reaching the CNS is referred to as a local anesthetic. Local anesthetics are designed to block nerve conduction when applied directly to nerve tissue. These agents can prevent the initiation and transmission of sensory impulses, thereby providing a reversible loss of sensation in a specific area without affecting overall consciousness. In comparison, general anesthetics induce a loss of consciousness and are often used during surgical procedures to ensure a patient is completely unaware and insensate. Another related type of anesthesia is regional anesthetic, which blocks sensation in a larger part of the body, such as an entire limb or the lower half of the body.