An anesthesia machine is a medical device used to administer anesthesia to patients during surgery. It delivers a mixture of gases to render the patient unconscious and monitors vital signs. Key components include gas cylinders, vaporizers to add anesthetic gases to the mixture, flow meters to control gas delivery, and safety features to prevent hypoxia like oxygen failure devices. The machine connects to the patient via a closed breathing circuit to conserve gases and prevent operating room pollution. Regular maintenance and safety checks are important to ensure proper functioning.