Non-depolarizing neuromuscular blockers are medications used to induce muscle relaxation during surgical procedures. They work by blocking the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction, preventing muscle contraction without causing initial muscle twitching. These agents are often used in combination with general anesthesia to facilitate intubation and improve surgical conditions. Unlike depolarizing neuromuscular blockers, which cause a brief period of muscle contraction, non-depolarizing agents maintain muscle paralysis until they are metabolized or reversed by specific medications, allowing for controlled recovery of muscle function.