What is the primary element an autoclave uses to achieve sterilization along with air pressure?

An autoclave primarily uses steam as its key element for achieving sterilization, alongside air pressure. The process involves creating a pressurized environment where the temperature of the steam rises significantly above boiling water, typically reaching levels around 250°F (121°C). This high temperature combined with steam effectively kills a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and spores, which are much more resilient.

Steam sterilization is particularly effective because it penetrates materials and ensures that all surfaces of the instruments being sterilized are exposed to the heat. The presence of moisture in the steam enhances the destruction of microbial life by denaturing proteins and disrupting cellular membranes, making it a more efficient method compared to dry heat or chemical sterilization methods. This is why steam is the correct choice in the context of an autoclave's functionality.