Refractory period

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(Redirected from Refractory state)

Refractory period refers to the time period following an action during which the body is unable to repeat the same action. This term is used in various fields of study, including physiology, psychology, and cardiology.

Physiology[edit | edit source]

In physiology, the refractory period is the time period during which an organ or cell is incapable of repeating a particular action. This is most commonly associated with neurons and muscle cells, which require a certain amount of time to reset before they can be activated again.

Neurons[edit | edit source]

In the context of neurons, the refractory period is the time after an action potential during which the neuron cannot fire another action potential. This period is divided into two phases: the absolute refractory period and the relative refractory period.

Absolute refractory period[edit | edit source]

The absolute refractory period is the time during which it is impossible for the neuron to fire a second action potential, no matter how strong the applied stimulus is. This is due to the fact that the sodium channels are inactivated.

Relative refractory period[edit | edit source]

The relative refractory period is the time following the absolute refractory period when a stronger than normal stimulus is required to initiate another action potential. This is because the membrane is hyperpolarized.

Psychology[edit | edit source]

In psychology, the refractory period refers to the time after a response during which an organism is not able to repeat the same response. This is often associated with sexual behavior in males.

Cardiology[edit | edit source]

In cardiology, the refractory period is the time after an action potential during which the heart muscle cannot respond to another action potential. This prevents the heart from experiencing continuous contractions, which would result in a lack of blood flow to the body.

See also[edit | edit source]

Refractory period Resources
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