Cardiac Electrophysiology Flashcards
When is the cardiac membrane most permeable to potassium?
At rest
What happens in a cardiac cell when the Sodium Potassium Pump is inhibited?
RMP becomes less negative
Cell hyperpolarizes
Cell becomes more excitable
What are the four phases of a normal cardiac action potential?
Phase 4 - RMP
Phase 0 - Rapid Upstroke
Phase 1 - Partial Repolarization
Phase 2 - Plateau
Phase 3 - Repolarization
Phase 4 - RMP
What happens to fast sodium channels during phase 1 of the cardiac musclr action potential?
They inactivate
When is the cardiac muscle membrane most permeable to Sodium?
Phase 0
When is the cardiac muscle membrane most permeable to Calcium?
Phase 0
What is the pathway of a Fast Na+ Channel?
Voltage of the membrane increases
Activation gate is activated and opens Fast Na+ channel
Na+ Enters channel
High membrane voltage triggers inactivation gate
Channel closes
What happens to the action potential of a cardiac muscle given tetrodotoxin?
Phase 0 is eventually lost and the Fast Na+ channel is blocked
How does Diltiazem affect cardiac muscle?
It blocks L=Type Ca2+ channels and shortens phase 2
Lacl of Ca2+ causes contraction to weaken
What is important for contraction during phase 2?
influx of Ca2+ ions
What is the purpose of the ARP?
Long ARP protects the cardiac muscle from tetanus because it prevents another AP from firing
In cardiac muscle, what occurs first, Mechanical activity or Electrical activity?
Electrical activity proceeds mechanical activity
Which parts of the cardiovascular system experience fast response?
Atrium
Ventricle
Purkinje FIbers
Which parts of the cardiovascular system experience slow response?
SA Node
AV Node
Why is the atrium AP different fron the ventricle and purkinje AP?
Atrium generates less force and ha a shorter phase 2
Which node is the typical pacemaker?
SA Node
What happens if the SA Node cannot function properly as the pacemaker?
The AV Node will take over
Where is the SA Node located?
Between the Super Vena Cave and Atrium
Where is the AV Node located?
Between the Atrium and Ventricle
What is the difference between fast response and slow response tissues?
Fast Response Tissues have Fast Na+ Channels
Slow responsse do not
Why is the SA Node the dominate pacemaker?
The SA Node has the highest rate of depolarization
What causes Phase 0 in SA Nodal cells?
Increase in Ca2+ permeability