Cardiac Action Potential

Divided into four phases:

1. Depolarization phase
•Na+ channels open
•Ca2+ channels open

2. Plateau phase
•Na+ channels close
•Some of the channels open, causing
repolarization
•Ca2+ channels are open, producing the
plateau by slowing further repolarization
 CARDIAC ACTION POTENTIAL
3. Repolarization phase
•Ca2+ channels close
•Many K+ channels open

4.Refractory period effect on

tension
•Cardiac muscles contract and
relaxes almost completely during
the refractory period