If the length of the absolute refractory period in cardiac muscle cells was the same as it is for skeletal muscle cells,__________ .
A) tetanic contractions might occur, which would stop the heart's pumping action
B) contractions would last as long as the refractory period
C) pacemaker cells would cease to spontaneously depolarize
D) it would be much longer before cardiac cells could respond to a second stimulation

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The absolute refractory period in cardiac muscle cells is longer than in skeletal muscle cells to prevent tetanic contractions, which would impair the heart's ability to pump blood effectively. If it were shorter, similar to skeletal muscle, the heart could potentially enter a state of tetanus, stopping its pumping action.

If the Length of the Absolute Refractory Period in Cardiac