The period during which an excitable membrane can respond again, but only if the stimulus is greater thanthe threshold stimulus, is the ________ period.
A) relative refractory
B) absolute refractory
C) resting
D) lag
E) stationary

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

During the relative refractory period, an excitable membrane can respond again, but only if the stimulus is greater than the threshold stimulus. This is due to the fact that the membrane is still in a state of hyperpolarization, or increased negativity, following the action potential. The absolute refractory period, on the other hand, is when the membrane is completely unable to respond to any stimulus, no matter how strong, due to the inactivation of voltage-gated sodium channels.

The Period During Which an Excitable Membrane Can Respond Again