Final answer:
Local anesthetics, such as lidocaine and novocaine, act as sodium channel blockers and prevent the movement of sodium across the neuronal membrane. This inhibits nerve conduction, causing sensory and motor paralysis in the area where they are applied. Their action is reversible and does not cause structural damage to nerve fibers or cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
Local anesthetics are drugs that block nerve conduction by preventing the movement of sodium across the neuronal membrane. Lidocaine and novocaine are examples of local anesthetics that act as sodium channel blockers. This effect makes these drugs effective local anesthetics because it prevents the initiation and transmission of nerve impulses, resulting in sensory and motor paralysis in the area where they are applied. Their action is reversible, allowing for complete recovery in nerve function without causing structural damage to nerve fibers or cells.