REFRACTORY PERIOD

• WHEN IS THE REFRACTORY PERIOD?

  hyperpolarisation
• WHAT IS THE REFRACTORY PERIOD?

  when the inward movement of Na+ is prevented as voltage-gated Na+ channels are closed
• WHAT DOES THE REFRACTORY PERIOD ENSURE?

  • action potentials are propagated in one direction only
  • produces discrete impulses (separates action potentials)
  • limits number of action potentials (therefore allowing stimulus strength to be detected)