What is the refractory period in a neuron?
Definition. The refractory period of a neuron is the time in which a nerve cell is unable to fire an action potential (nerve impulse). Two subsets exist in terms of neurons: absolute refractory period and relative refractory period.
Why is the refractory period important for a neuron?
The refractory period limits the rate at which action potentials can be generated, which is an important aspect of neuronal signaling. Additionally, the refractory period facilitates unidirectional propagation of the action potential along the axon.
How long is the absolute refractory period of a neuron?
about 1-2 ms
This is the time during which another stimulus given to the neuron (no matter how strong) will not lead to a second action potential. Thus, because Na+ channels are inactivated during this time, additional depolarizing stimuli do not lead to new action potentials. The absolute refractory period takes about 1-2 ms.
What is a refractory period for a membrane quizlet?
Refractory Period. The time period from the beginning of the action potential to the return to resting state during which the membrane will not respond normally to additional stimuli.
What is the refractory period action potential?
The refractory period is the time after an action potential is generated, during which the excitable cell cannot produce another action potential. There are two subphases of this period, absolute and relative refractoriness. Absolute refractoriness overlaps the depolarization and around 2/3 of repolarization phase.
What is the refractory period of a neuron quizlet?
a brief time period after an action potential has been initiated during which an axon is either incapable of generating another action potential. The excitable plasma membrane recovers at this time and becomes ready to respond to another stimulus.
What is refractory period in action potential quizlet?
Refractory Period. The period of time following the initiation of an action potential during which it is difficult or impossible to initiate a second action potential.
What occurs during the refractory period quizlet?
What is the refractory period of an AP?
The refractory period is the time after an action potential is generated, during which the excitable cell cannot produce another action potential. There are two subphases of this period, absolute and relative refractoriness.
What occurs in neurons during the refractory period following an action potential quizlet?