What gas is commonly used as a medical anesthetic?

Nitrous oxide is commonly used as a medical anesthetic due to its properties that make it effective for inducing anesthesia and providing analgesia. It acts quickly when inhaled and is often used in combination with other anesthetic agents for both minor surgical procedures and as part of anesthesia protocols for various surgeries.

Unlike carbon dioxide, which is primarily used in medical settings for insufflation during certain procedures, nitrous oxide helps to alleviate pain and reduce anxiety in patients. Oxygen is essential for respiration and is not an anesthetic agent itself, while helium is used in specific medical applications such as respiratory treatments but does not serve as an anesthetic. Therefore, nitrous oxide stands out as the gas specifically utilized for its anesthetic effects in medical practice.