In the practice of
medicine, especially
surgery, and
dentistry,
anesthesia (or
anaesthesia) is an induced, temporary state with one or more of the following characteristics:
analgesia (relief from or prevention of
pain),
paralysis (extreme muscle relaxation),
amnesia (loss of memory), and
unconsciousness. An
anesthetic is an agent that causes anaesthesia. A
patient under the effects of anesthesia is
anesthetized. An
anesthesiologist (US) or
anaesthetist (UK) is a
physician who performs anesthesia. A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist is an advanced practice nurse who performs anesthesia.
