Ali Shamyar

Medical Doctor
 Na+
1 Resting membrane potential

+
K
 +
Na

Na +

K+
+
K
+
K
There are 4 Phases in an
Action Potential:
1. Threshold
2. Depolarization
3. Repolarization
4. Hyperpolarization
Refractory period :

*The period when excitable cells can not generate

another action potential.

There are 2 phases of refractory periods :

1-Absolute refractory period

2-Relative refractory period

 Absolute
refractory period

1-Refers to the time period

during which a 2nd action
potential can not be
initiated, even with a very
strong stimulus.

2-It coincides with Na channels

activation and inactivation .

3-Inactivated Na channels can

not reopen.

4-They must first return to

resting state.
 Relative
refractory period

1-Refers to the time period

during which a 2nd action
potential can be initiated,
but only with a larger than
threshold stimulus.
(supra threshold)

2-It coincides with the

period when the voltage-
gated K channels are still
open after inactivated Na
channels have returned to
their resting state.
 Na+ Na+ Na+ Na+
outside Na+

++++ ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++

1-When one area is
depolarized, a potential ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
difference exists between that outside

site and the adjacent

membrane.
Na+ Na+ Na+ Na+
outside Na+

2-A local current flow is ++-- ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++

initiated.
--++ ---- ---- ---- ----
outside
 Na+ Na+ Na+
outside Na+

++-- ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++

--++ ---- ---- ---- ----
outside Na+

3-This local current flow will

cause opening of voltage- Na+
gated Na channels in the
Na+ Na+
outside Na+

++++ ++-- ++++ ++++ ++++

adjacent membrane.
---- --++ ---- ---- ----
4-Na influx will occur outside
Na+

5-Membrane is depolarized.
Na+ Na+
outside Na+ Na+

++++ ++-- ++++ ++++ ++++

---- --++ ---- ---- ----
outside Na+
Refractory Periods :
- Absolute Refractory Period:
- Relative Refractory Period:
 AP propagation along myelinated nerves

Sodium channel Node of ranvier

1- Na channels are concentrated around nodes.

2- Therefore depolarization mainly occur at nodes.

Comparison between different excitable tissues in terms of
“ resting membrane potential “ :

* The initiation and conduction of nerve and muscle action potential

are similar, but they have different RMP’s.
*Neuron = -70mV
*Skeletal and cardiac muscle fibers = -90mV

Comparison between different excitable tissues in terms of

“ velocity of conduction“ :

* Nerve action potentials are 18 times faster than muscles

Comparison between different excitable tissues in terms of

“ duration of AP“ :

* Neuron 0.5 – 2.0 msec

* skeletal muscle fibers 1.0 – 5.0 msec
* cardiac& smooth muscle fibers 10 – 300 msec
THANKS for
your
attention