• BIO 264 Anatomy & Physiology I
  • 1.0. MODULE 1: TERMINOLOGY/HOMEOSTASIS
  • 2.0. MODULE 2: INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
  • 3.0. MODULE 3: ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
  • 4.0. MODULE 4: THE CELL
  • 5.0. MODULE 5: CELL MEMBRANES-STRUCTURE AND TRANSPORT
  • 6.0. MODULE 6: NERVOUS SYSTEM ORGANIZATION
  • 7.0. MODULE 7: SKELETAL MUSCLE
  • 8.0. MODULE 8: METABOLISM
  • 9.0. MODULE 9: CONTROL OF BODY MOVEMENT
  • 10.0. MODULE 10: THE AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM
  • 11.0. MODULE 11: THE BRAIN
  • 12.0. MODULE 12: SPECIAL SENSES
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  • Translations
  • 5.3.5

    Refractory Periods

    Refractory

    Refractory Period. Image created at BYU-Idaho, Fall 2015

    Another concept to be discussed is the refractory period. By definition, the refractory period is the amount of time during which a cell is incapable of repeating another action potential after one has been initiated. There are two types of refractory periods: The absolute refractory period, which is the interval of time during which a second action potential cannot be initiated, no matter how large a stimulus is repeatedly applied. Second, the relative refractory period, which 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 voltage-gated Na+ channel. Once inactivated, the Na+ channel cannot respond to another stimulus until the activation and inactivation gates are reset.

    Here is a video to help with understanding:

    https://books.byui.edu/-KoSc

    This content is provided to you freely by BYU-I Books.

    Access it online or download it at https://books.byui.edu/bio_264_anatomy_phy_I/535___refractory_per.