What term describes the loss of sensation?

The term that describes the loss of sensation is anesthesia. Anesthesia refers specifically to a state where a person experiences a complete loss of sensation, often induced in a medical setting for procedures to ensure the patient does not feel pain or discomfort. This can apply to general anesthesia, where the entire body loses sensation, or local anesthesia, which numbs a specific area.

Other terms listed refer to different sensations or conditions. Hypesthesia indicates a reduced sensitivity to stimuli, meaning that while there is still some sensation, it is diminished. Analgesia refers to the absence of pain sensation but does not imply a complete loss of all senses; instead, it means that pain is not felt while other sensations might still be intact. On the other hand, hyperesthesia is characterized by an increased sensitivity to sensory stimuli, which is the opposite of a loss of sensation.

Thus, anesthesia accurately describes the condition of completely losing sensation, particularly in medical contexts.