General anesthetics cause reversible loss of consciousness and perception during surgery by depressing the central nervous system. They provide analgesia, amnesia, muscle relaxation and unconsciousness. Common inhalational anesthetics include halothane, isoflurane and sevoflurane. Pre-anesthetic medications are often administered to relieve anxiety, provide amnesia and reduce anesthetic requirements. Inhalational anesthetics are delivered via open or closed systems and their effects are determined by factors like potency, solubility and metabolism. Their mechanism of action involves actions on ion channels and receptors in the brain.