Campbell Biology (11th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-13409-341-0
ISBN 13: 978-0-13409-341-3

Chapter 48 - Test Your Understanding - Level 3 - Synthesis/Evaluation - Page 1082: 11

Answer

Anesthetics could inhibit neurotransmitter receptors by blocking their ability to receive signals, by altering postsynaptic potentials to artificially alter the neuron’s action potential, or by inactivating sodium ion channels to prolong refraction.

Work Step by Step

Your answers may vary. Anything that a chemical could do to prevent a neuron from firing could potentially be used in anesthesia. Not all chemicals or processes may be viable for safe and effective use in the body, but from a hypothetical standpoint anything reversible that could dampen neuron stimulation could be an answer here.
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