Which statement is true regarding agonists and antagonists?

The statement that agonists activate receptors while antagonists block their activation is accurate in the context of pharmacology, particularly concerning anesthesia. Agonists are substances that bind to specific receptors in the body and initiate a physiological response, essentially stimulating the receptor and producing a desired effect, such as pain relief or sedation.

On the other hand, antagonists bind to the same receptors but do not trigger a response. Instead, they prevent agonists from binding and thereby inhibit any action that would typically be produced by the activation of those receptors. This mechanism is crucial in various medical scenarios, including anesthesia, as antagonists can counteract the effects of certain drugs, helping to manage side effects or reversing sedation when necessary.

Understanding these functions is key in anesthetic practice, where proper management of drug interactions is vital for patient safety and effective pain control.