The brief period of time between the beginning of the action potential in the muscle and the beginning of contraction is referred to as the
A) refractory period.
B) latent period.
C) relaxation phase.
D) depolarization period.
E) repolarization period.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The brief period between the beginning of the action potential and the beginning of muscle contraction is known as the latent period. During this time, calcium ions are released from the terminal cisternae of the sarcoplasmic reticulum and bind to troponin, triggering the sliding filament mechanism that leads to muscle contraction. The latency period is distinct from the refractory period which occurs immediately after muscle contraction, during which the muscle cannot be stimulated to contract again.

The Brief Period of Time Between the Beginning of the Action