The plateau of the action potential in cardiac ventricular cells results from the opening of voltage-gated long-lasting ________ channels in the plasma membrane of the cell.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The plateau of the action potential in cardiac ventricular cells is due to the opening of voltage-gated long-lasting Ca²⁺ channels in the plasma membrane. This prolongs the depolarization phase of the action potential, which is crucial for the proper function of the heart. Na⁺ channels mediate the rapid depolarization phase, K⁺ channels mediate the repolarization phase, and Cl⁻ channels play a minor role in cardiac action potential. Glucose is not involved in the generation of action potentials.

The Plateau of the Action Potential in Cardiac Ventricular Cells