What is the primary mechanism of action of local anesthetics?
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Correct answer: Blockade of voltage-gated sodium channels
Local anesthetics block voltage-gated sodium channels in nerve membranes. This prevents depolarization and the propagation of nerve impulses, producing loss of sensation in the affected area.
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More Local Anesthetics questions
- Which drug is a commonly used local anesthetic for dental procedures?
- Local anesthetics primarily prevent the conduction of which type of signal?
- Which of the following local anesthetics contains an amide linkage?
- Which local anesthetic belongs to the ester group?
- Which nerve fibers are most sensitive to local anesthetic blockade?
- Which physiological function is lost first when local anesthesia is applied?