What method is used to deliver general anesthesia through gas or volatile liquids?

The method used to deliver general anesthesia through gas or volatile liquids is inhalation. This approach allows for rapid absorption of anesthetic agents into the bloodstream via the lungs. When a patient inhales a gaseous anesthetic or volatile liquid, the anesthetic enters the alveoli of the lungs and is then distributed throughout the body via the circulatory system.

Inhalation delivery is advantageous because it provides precise control over the depth of anesthesia and allows for quick adjustments to respond to the needs of the patient during a surgical procedure. Additionally, the pharmacokinetics of inhalational agents often allows for rapid recovery from anesthesia once the administration is discontinued.

Other methods, such as intravenous administration, may deliver anesthetics directly into the bloodstream, but they do not typically utilize gases or volatile liquids. Topical application and local infiltration are not suitable for general anesthesia, as they primarily provide localized analgesia and sedation rather than the systemic effects required for general anesthesia.