Define relative refractory periodSolutionRelative refractory

Define relative refractory period

Solution

Relative refractory period is a phase of action potential.It is the time period during ehich a stronger than normal stimulus is required to bring about an action potential. Right after the action potential has moved down the axon,there is a time interval during which it is difficult for a neuron to send another signal,this time period is called relative refractory period.After the absolute refractory period,sodium chanels become to recover from inactivation and if during this time period a stronger stimuli is given it can cause the generation of an action potential.During relative refractory period continuous potassium ions flow out of the cell.

Therefore sodium channel inactivation and higher than resting pk values are responsible for relative refractory period