Final answer:
Lidocaine blocks sodium channels, leading to numbness and pain relief.
Step-by-step explanation:
Lidocaine is a local anesthetic that works by blocking voltage-gated sodium channels. When these channels are blocked, the flow of sodium ions into the nerve cells is reduced, which prevents the generation of electrical signals. This interruption of normal nerve cell communication leads to numbness and a decrease in pain sensation.
Lidocaine is commonly used as a local anesthetic due to its ability to specifically target and block sodium channels in nerve cells. By preventing the movement of sodium ions across the neuronal membrane, lidocaine effectively blocks the transmission of pain signals from the nerves to the brain. This results in a loss of sensation and a reduction in pain perception in the area where lidocaine is administered.