MSK Physiology Main Points

Question 1

Explain what is going on during this action potential?

What are the refractory periods?

Answer 1

Between 4 and 6 it is impossible to get another action potential because the inactivation gate hasn’t swung out of the channel which give rise to the absolute refractory period.

From 6 to 7 is the relative refractory period because it is farther away from threshold and there are more K+ gates open therefore any incoming positive charges will just be leaked out.