The plateau phase of the action potential in a contractile cardiac muscle cell occurs as a result of activation of slow Ca²⁺ channels.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

During the plateau phase, slow Ca2+ channels remain open, allowing a prolonged influx of Ca2+ into the cell, which contributes to the sustained contraction of the cardiac muscle cell. These channels are often referred to as L-type channels (Ca²⁺) and are activated by depolarization of the membrane potential.

The Plateau Phase of the Action Potential in a Contractile