The absolute refractory period of an excitable membrane roughly corresponds to the period when sodium channels are opening and closing.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

During the absolute refractory period, the voltage-gated sodium channels are either inactivated or closed, preventing the opening of more sodium channels and action potential generation. Therefore, the period when sodium channels are opening and closing roughly corresponds to the relative refractory period.

The Absolute Refractory Period of an Excitable Membrane Roughly Corresponds