In: Chemistry
What does a T wave amplitude in an ECG represent? (being specific in regards to ion flow) Thx
T wave in the ECG shows the repolarization or the recovery of the ventricles . It signifies the relaxation of the cardiac muscles of the ventricles .
In depolarisation the sodium ions flow into the muscle cells to cause their contraction. After the completion of action potential , potassium ions flow out of the cell due to increased cell membrane permeability to the ions . This outwards flow is counteracted by the inward flow of calcium ions , due to which repolarization occurs slowly . Due to this the refractory period becomes as long as compared to the action potential and the sustained contractions are prevented .