In: Anatomy and Physiology
Both neurons and cardiac muscle cells have action potentials. Discuss at least two ways in which neural and cardiac action potentials, and the way they spread between cells, are different.Both neurons and cardiac muscle cells have action potentials. Discuss at least two ways in which neural and cardiac action potentials, and the way they spread between cells, are different.
Ans:-
Diff between neuron and cardiac muscle action potential generation and spread:-
1) cardiac muscle after depolarization where is the p h a s e called plateau phase in which the membrane potential of cardiac muscle remains constant it occurs due to efflux of potassium out of the cell at the same time influx of calcium into the cell. But neurones action potential does not have this plateau p h a s e there is no calcium influx after depolarization in neurones depolarization is immediately followed by efflux of potassium which lead to repolarization.
2) in cardiac muscle action potential propagate from one muscle to another muscle though electrical synapse which is a gap Junction but neurones action potential propagate from one neurone to other via chemical synapse.
3) cardiac muscle action potential have a greater latent period then neurones due to presence of Platue phase.
Action potential in cardiac muscle:-
Action potential in neuron