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What is the difference between the effective refractory period and the relative refractory period?
The effective refractory period is the timeframe during which a cardiac cell is completely refractory and cannot respond to any stimulus. The relative refractory period is the period during which a cardiac cell is in a partially recovered state and can only respond to a strong stimulus.
What does the relative refractory period of the T wave represent?
The relative refractory period of the T wave represents a vulnerable period in the cardiac cycle during which a premature beat can trigger an arrhythmia, such as Torsades de Pointes. This period occurs during the repolarization phase, when the myocardium is in a state of partial recovery but not fully refractory.
Absolute refractory period relative refractory period?
The absolute refractory period is the time during which a neuron cannot generate another action potential, regardless of the strength of the stimulus. The relative refractory period is the time during which a neuron can generate another action potential, but only if the stimulus is stronger than usual.
What are the cellular events responsible for the refractory period?
During the refractory period, the inactivation of voltage-gated sodium channels prevents the generation of a new action potential. This inactivation prevents the cell from firing another action potential immediately after one has just occurred. The refractory period also allows time for the ion concentrations in the cell to return to their resting state, ensuring proper signaling.
What causes absolute refractory period?
The absolute refractory period is caused by the inactivation of voltage-gated sodium channels that were opened during the preceding action potential. During this period, the neuron is unable to generate another action potential because these sodium channels are closed and unable to respond to further depolarization. This prevents the neuron from firing multiple action potentials too close together and ensures proper signaling.
