Final answer:
Ketamine is used to induce general anesthesia, creating a reversible state of unconsciousness and insensitivity to pain for medical purposes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ketamine produces a type of anesthesia known as general anesthesia. This form of anesthesia acts on the brain to induce a reversible state of unconsciousness and a general insensitivity to feeling or pain. While ketamine is used medically for these purposes, it also has the potential for illicit use due to its dissociative and amnesic properties. In clinical settings, it's utilized for induction and maintenance of anesthesia, particularly in situations where immediate action is necessary or when other anesthetics are unsuitable.