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The absolute refractory period (ARP) is important because it keeps the action potential (AP) moving in one direction down the axon.

Imagine a neuron in which the AP progresses from left to right. For simplicity, let's number the leftmost area of the neuron as 1 and the rightmost as 5, like on your right hand on a keyboard.

Let's consider the AP at Area 3. At this point, Area 2 is in ARP, meaning the voltage-gated Na channels are inactivated. This prevents the Na influx necessary for an AP there. In contrast, the Na channels at Area 4 are available (i.e., they aren't inactivated), and will open in response to local current coming from Area 3. So Na will then rush into the neuron at Area 4, and the AP continues in that direction.

The ARP also limits the neuron's maximum firing frequency, which is relevant to encoding stimulus intensity.

This stuff isn't easy. I hope that helps.

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2 Define refractory period and differentiate between absolute and relative refractory periods?

refractory period is the interval between action potential , the absolute refractory period is the period in which second action potential can not be initiated but in relative refractory period the second action potential can be initiated by the more strong stimulus.


What is an exceptionally strong stimulus that can trigger a response?

Relative refractory period


What is a T-wave?

The T wave represents the repolarization (or recovery) of the ventricles. The interval from the beginning of the QRS complex to the apex of the T wave is referred to as the absolute refractory period. The last half of the T wave is referred to as the relative refractory period (or vulnerable period). The T wave contains more information then the QT interval. The T wave can be described by its symmetry, skewness, slope of ascending and descending limbs, amplitude and subintervals like the TpeakTend interval. In most leads, the T wave is positive. However, a negative T wave is normal in lead aVR. Lead V1 may have a positive, negative, or biphasic T wave. In addition, it is not uncommon to have an isolated negative T wave in lead 3, aVL, or aVF.


What is one atmosphere?

A pressure measurement, in comparison to atmospheric pressure on Earth, at sea level, near sea level, at standard temperature, usually expressing an absolute pressure (but does not have to be). 1 atmosphere absolute = 1.01325 bar absolute 1 atmosphere absolute = 101,325 pascal absolute 1 atmosphere absolute = 14.69595 psi absolute


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Related Questions

What is the relationship between the relative refractory period and the absolute refractory period in terms of neuronal excitability?

The relative refractory period is the time when a neuron can respond to a stronger stimulus, while the absolute refractory period is when a neuron cannot respond at all. The relative refractory period follows the absolute refractory period and allows for increased neuronal excitability.


Which term referes to the period whereby no impulse can be generated even with intense stimulation?

Absolute refactory period


What is the difference between the refractory period and the absolute refractory period in terms of neuronal signaling?

The refractory period is the time after a neuron fires when it cannot fire again, while the absolute refractory period is the specific part of the refractory period when the neuron is completely unable to fire, regardless of the stimulus.


2 Define refractory period and differentiate between absolute and relative refractory periods?

refractory period is the interval between action potential , the absolute refractory period is the period in which second action potential can not be initiated but in relative refractory period the second action potential can be initiated by the more strong stimulus.


What is the relationship between the absolute and relative refractory periods during the action potential process?

During the action potential process, the absolute refractory period is when the neuron cannot respond to any stimulus, while the relative refractory period is when it can respond to a stronger stimulus. The absolute refractory period comes before the relative refractory period in the action potential process.


What is the difference between the absolute refractory period and the relative refractory period in terms of neuronal excitability?

The absolute refractory period is a time when a neuron cannot respond to any stimulus, no matter how strong. The relative refractory period is a time when a neuron can respond to a stronger stimulus than usual.


A period after an initial stimulus when a neuron is not sensitive to another stimulus is the?

refractory period. This is a brief time after a neuron has fired an action potential, during which it cannot generate another action potential in response to a new stimulus. This period is crucial for maintaining the directionality of signal transmission in the nervous system.


What is the absolute refractory period?

Absolute Refractory Period:It is the interval during which a second action potential absolutely cannot be initiated, no matter how large a stimulus is applied.ORAfter repolarization there is a period during which a second action potential cannot be initiated, no matter how large a stimulus current is applied to the neuron. This is called the absolute refractory period, and it is followed by a relative refractory period, during which another action potential can be generated


What is it called when another neural impulse cannot occur?

THe absolute refractory period


Period of reploarization of the neuron during which it cannot respond to a second stimulus?

The absolute refractory period. This period occurs after the action potential has been initiated and is a result of inactivation of the sodium channels. These sodium channels would normally open up to allow sodium influx into the cell during an action potential. The absolute refractory period occurs during an ongoing action potential and is the period in which a subsequent action potential absolutely cannot be generated.This should not be confused with the relative refractory period which occurs immediately following the absolute refractory period (during membrane hyperpolarization). During this period a subsequent action potential is possible, but more difficult to attain.


During which period can a second action potential be initiated by a larger than normal stimulus?

The period following the absolute refractory period is where a second action potential can be initiated by a larger than normal stimulus. This phase is known as the relative refractory period.


The neuron cannot respond to a second stimulus no matter how strong?

Absolute refractory period