Analgesia: Absence of normal sense of pain without loss of consciousness
Analgesic: A drug that relieves pain without causing loss of consciousness, such as an aspirin, narcotics, and other pain medications.
Anesthesia: Partial or complete loss of feeling or sensation, with or without loss of consciousness, primarily for the purpose of surgery or other medical procedure.
Anesthetic: a drug that produces anesthesia administered by inhalation (breathing) or intravenously (injection or through an IV)
Anesthesiologist: Physician specializing in administering analgesia and anesthesia
Anesthesiology: The branch of medicine concerned with reducing or eliminating pain or feeling in patients undergoing surgery, the delivery of a baby, or other medical procedures
Anesthetist: One who administers an anesthetic. In many parts of the world, and particularly in Britain, this term applies to both nurses and doctors. However, in the USA and Canada, physicians who administer anesthetics are referred to as anesthesiologists
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA): A highly-trained nurse specializing in the administration of anesthetics.
Endotracheal Tube (Breathing Tube): A tube placed in a patient's windpipe to help the patient breathe; commonly used during general anesthesia
Epidural Anesthesia: Anesthesia produced by injection of a local anesthetic into the peridural space of the spinal cord, frequently used during delivery, for surgeries below the waist, and for post-operative pain management
General Anesthesia: Anesthesia where the patient is rendered unconscious by administration of intravenous and/or inhalation anesthetics for the period of surgery. The patient's major bodily functions are closely monitored by the anesthesia provider. A breathing tube is usually required during general anesthesia
Local Anesthesia: Anesthesia where a small area is deadened by injection of a local anesthetic.
Narcotic: A drug that produces insensibility or stupor. The term is now generally used to describe a class of drugs, such as morphine, which are addictive analgesics
Regional Anesthesia: Anesthesia where an anesthetic is administered by injection to numb a part of the body such as an arm or leg. The patient remains conscious, though often sedated, throughout the procedure
Sedation: Anesthesia where a drug is given to calm a patient during an otherwise excited, uncomfortable, or anxious period of time. Often administered to patients immediately prior to surgery or during uncomfortable medical procedures
Sedative: A substance that tends to calm, moderate, or tranquilize nervousness or excitement