1.

Explain why the larger waves seen on the oscilloscope represent the ventricular contraction Because ventricles are larger chambers, therefore when they contract they generate more force producing larger waves 2. Explain why the amplitude of the wave did not change when you increase the frequency of the stimulation The maximum threshold will not change in cardiac muscle cells (as with any other cells), which is determined by the X amount of voltage needed for calcium channels to open. After this point, no additional voltage can cause the channels to open more, or again, prior to depolarization. Furthermore amplitude does not change because the cardiacs long refractory period prevents summation 3. Why is it only possible to induce an extra systole during relaxation Because new stimulation could not be induced during absolute refractory period (a period during which action potentials cannot be generated no matter how strong the stimulus is- the period of time between beginning of the cardiac action potential the approximate middle of phase 3), so the extrasystole can not occur until relaxation and so we could not achieve wave summation tetanus. 4. Explain why wave summation and tetanus are not possible in cardiac muscle tissue. How well did the result compare with your prediction Cardiac cells have long action potentials and long twitches, therefore do not show temporal summation.