Is it possible for a second action potential to occur during the relative refractory period?
The relative refractory period is the interval of time during which a second action potential can be initiated, but initiation will require a greater stimulus than before. Refractory periods are caused by the inactivation gate of the Na+ channel.
Why is it not possible to generate an action potential during the absolute refractory period?
Refractory period Absolute refractoriness overlaps the depolarization and around 2/3 of repolarization phase. A new action potential cannot be generated during depolarization because all the voltage-gated sodium channels are already opened or being opened at their maximum speed.
How does refractory period affect action potential?
In its wake, the action potential leaves the Na+ channels inactivated and K+ channels activated for a brief time. These transitory changes make it harder for the axon to produce subsequent action potentials during this interval, which is called the refractory period.
When can a second action potential be produced?
The relative refractory period is a period after one action potential is initiated when it is possible to initiate a second action potential, but only with a greater depolarization than was necessary to initiate the first.
Why are multiple action potentials generated in response to a long stimulus that is above threshold?
Why are multiple action potentials generated in response to a long stimulus that is above threshold? Your answer: Multiple action potentials are generated because after the relative refractory period, the action potential can occur as long as the duration of a strong stimulus is present.
What is the difference between absolute refractory and relative refractory?
The main difference between absolute and relative refractory period is that absolute refractory period is the period of time during which a second action potential absolutely cannot be initiated whereas relative refractory period is the interval immediately after the absolute refractory period.
What happens during a refractory period?
In physiology, a refractory period is a period of time during which an organ or cell is incapable of repeating a particular action, or (more precisely) the amount of time it takes for an excitable membrane to be ready for a second stimulus once it returns to its resting state following an excitation.
Why is a larger stimulus needed during the relative refractory period?
Since the cell has a more negative membrane potential, a larger stimulus is required to reach the threshold. The absolute refractory period results from the initial gating of voltage-gated sodium channels. This initial mechanism ensures that the channel is incapable of opening, even when stimulated.
What is the difference in outcome between a strong stimulus being received during the absolute refractory period and the relative refractory period?
During the absolute refractory period, a second stimulus (no matter how strong) will not excite the neuron. During the relative refractory period, a stronger than normal stimulus is needed to elicit neuronal excitation.
What is the difference between an absolute refractory period and a relative refractory period Why do we need an absolute refractory period?
Explanation: Absolute refractory period of a neuron is the period of time during which no amount of external stimulus will generate an action potential. Relative refractory period is the period of time during which only a large stimulus will generate an action potential.
What is the difference between action potential duration and effective refractory period?
In electrocardiography, during a cardiac cycle, once an action potential is initiated, there is a period of time that a new action potential cannot be initiated. This is termed the effective refractory period (ERP) of the tissue.
What is relative refractory period?
Medical Definition of relative refractory period : the period shortly after the firing of a nerve fiber when partial repolarization has occurred and a greater than normal stimulus can stimulate a second response — compare absolute refractory period.
What is the difference between relative refractory and absolute refractory?
The main difference between absolute and relative refractory period is that absolute refractory period is the period of time during which a second action potential absolutely cannot be initiated whereas relative refractory period is the interval immediately after the absolute refractory period.
Can a neuron have a second action potential during the absolute refractory period?
During the absolute refractory period, the neuron cannot be excited to generate a second action potential (no matter how intense the stimulus).
What is the significance of the duration of the refractory period to the function of the heart?
After an action potential initiates, the cardiac cell is unable to initiate another action potential for some duration of time (which is slightly shorter than the "true" action potential duration). This period of time is referred to as the refractory period, which is 250ms in duration and helps to protect the heart.
What is the relative refractory period?
Medical Definition of relative refractory period : the period shortly after the firing of a nerve fiber when partial repolarization has occurred and a greater than normal stimulus can stimulate a second response — compare absolute refractory period.
Why is the relative refractory period important?
Why is the Relative Refractory Period Important For Our Bodies? The relative refractory period prevents the same stimulus from becoming overwhelming. Since it takes a greater stimulus to produce an action potential, the body needs more sensory input to continue feeling the same way.
What is the difference between the effective refractory period and the relative refractory period?
The main difference between absolute and relative refractory period is that absolute refractory period is the period of time during which a second action potential absolutely cannot be initiated whereas relative refractory period is the interval immediately after the absolute refractory period.
Why is relative refractory period important?
Why is the Relative Refractory Period Important For Our Bodies? The relative refractory period prevents the same stimulus from becoming overwhelming. Since it takes a greater stimulus to produce an action potential, the body needs more sensory input to continue feeling the same way.
What is meant by the absolute and relative refractory periods when and why do they occur?
Explanation: Absolute refractory period of a neuron is the period of time during which no amount of external stimulus will generate an action potential. Relative refractory period is the period of time during which only a large stimulus will generate an action potential.
What is the difference between absolute refractory and relative refractory period?
The main difference between absolute and relative refractory period is that absolute refractory period is the period of time during which a second action potential absolutely cannot be initiated whereas relative refractory period is the interval immediately after the absolute refractory period.