The refractory period 5.3.6

Question 1

What occurs after an action potential?

Answer 1

There is a period of time when both sodium ion channels are closed (repolarisation) and potassium ion channels are closed (hyperpolarisation).
When this occurs, this section of the axon is unresponsive - known as the refractory period

Question 2

Give 3 reasons why the refractory period is important

Answer 2

• Ensures that action potentials are discrete events
• Ensures that new action potentials are generated ahead
• Means there is a minimum time between action potentials