Final answer:
Anesthetics are used to induce a temporary loss of sensation or awareness, with the primary function of reducing pain during medical procedures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary function of an anesthetic is to induce anesthesia, which means it is used to result in a temporary loss of sensation or awareness. There are two main types of anesthetics: general anesthetics and local anesthetics. General anesthetics induce a loss of consciousness and are used to facilitate surgical applications by rendering a patient unresponsive to painful stimuli. Local anesthetics, on the other hand, cause a temporary loss of sensation in a specific area of the body without affecting consciousness. Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is a) Reduces pain.