Compare the absolute refractory period with the relative refractory period.
A)During the absolute refractory period the membrane can respond only to a larger-than-normal stimulus.During the relative refractory period the membrane cannot respond to further stimulation.
B)During the absolute refractory period the membrane cannot respond to further stimulation.During the relative refractory period the membrane can respond to any stimulus.
C)During the absolute refractory period the membrane is highly responsive to stimuli.During the relative refractory period the membrane is unresponsive to stimuli.
D)During the absolute refractory period the membrane cannot respond to further stimulation.During the relative refractory period the membrane can respond only to a larger-than-normal stimulus.
E)During the absolute refractory period the membrane is highly responsive to stimuli.During the relative refractory period the membrane can respond only to a larger-than-normal stimulus.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

During the absolute refractory period, the membrane cannot respond to further stimulation because voltage-gated sodium channels are inactivated. During the relative refractory period, the membrane can respond to a stimulus, but it requires a larger-than-normal stimulus because the membrane is hyperpolarized and some voltage-gated potassium channels are still open. Therefore, choice D correctly describes both refractory periods.

Compare the Absolute Refractory Period with the Relative Refractory Period