What characterizes the relative refractory period in terms of Na+ channel activity?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking about the relative refractory period in neurons, specifically focusing on the activity of Na+ channels during this phase. The relative refractory period occurs after the absolute refractory period and is characterized by the availability of some Na+ channels which are in a state that allows for some depolarization to occur, but a stronger than usual stimulus is required to initiate an action potential.
Answer
Na+ channels are reprimed and can be reactivated with a stronger stimulus.
During the relative refractory period, Na+ channels are in a state where they have 'reprimed' and can be reactivated, but a stronger than normal stimulus is required due to the brief hyperpolarization caused by the K+ current.
Answer for screen readers
During the relative refractory period, Na+ channels are in a state where they have 'reprimed' and can be reactivated, but a stronger than normal stimulus is required due to the brief hyperpolarization caused by the K+ current.
More Information
The relative refractory period occurs after an action potential when most Na+ channels are no longer inactivated but K+ channels cause a temporary hyperpolarization, making it more difficult to generate another action potential.
Tips
Misinterpreting this period as one where action potentials cannot occur at all; rather, they can occur but require stronger stimuli.
Sources
- Refractory period (physiology) - Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org
- Refractory periods: Subphases and roles - Kenhub - kenhub.com
- The Refractory Period - Neuroscience - NCBI Bookshelf - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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