Why do heart cells have a refractory period after electical stimulation?

Subject: Why do heart cells have a refractory period after electical stimulation?

Date: Fri Jan 16 18:21:29 1998
Posted by Christina Gonzalez
Grade level: undergrad
School: Stanford University
City: Stanford State/Province: Ca
Country: United States
Area of science: Cell Biology
ID: 884996489.Cb

Message:


I know that this makes them resistant to depolarization by electrical 
stimuli during that refractory period but I don't understand why it is 
so important.  I don't know what would happen if this refractory 
period was shortened or just abolished either.  I am in desperate need 
of enlightenment - please help me understand.

Re: Why do heart cells have a refractory period after electical stimulation?

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