What does refractory period mean in psychology?

What does refractory period mean in psychology?

psychological refractory period (PRP) the period after response to a stimulus during which response to a second stimulus, presented shortly after the first, is delayed.

What is a refractory period in terms of neurotransmission?

By definition, the refractory period is a period of time during which a cell is incapable of repeating an action potential. In terms of action potentials, it refers to the amount of time it takes for an excitable membrane to be ready to respond to a second stimulus once it returns to a resting state.

What happens during the refractory period of a neuron?

In its wake, the action potential leaves the Na+ channels inactivated and K+ channels activated for a brief time. These transitory changes make it harder for the axon to produce subsequent action potentials during this interval, which is called the refractory period.

What is the refractory period of a neuron and why does it occur?

This is the time during which another stimulus given to the neuron (no matter how strong) will not lead to a second action potential. Thus, because Na+ channels are inactivated during this time, additional depolarizing stimuli do not lead to new action potentials. The absolute refractory period takes about 1-2 ms.

What occurs during the refractory period quizlet psychology?

a brief time period after an action potential has been initiated during which an axon is either incapable of generating another action potential. The excitable plasma membrane recovers at this time and becomes ready to respond to another stimulus.

What is refractory period of cardiac muscle?

After an action potential initiates, the cardiac cell is unable to initiate another action potential for some duration of time (which is slightly shorter than the “true” action potential duration). This period of time is referred to as the refractory period, which is 250ms in duration and helps to protect the heart.

What is the refractory period of a nerve?

Definition. The refractory period of a neuron is the time in which a nerve cell is unable to fire an action potential (nerve impulse). Two subsets exist in terms of neurons: absolute refractory period and relative refractory period.

What is the purpose of a refractory period?

The refractory period limits the rate at which action potentials can be generated, which is an important aspect of neuronal signaling. Additionally, the refractory period facilitates unidirectional propagation of the action potential along the axon.

What occurs during refractory period?

In physiology, a refractory period is a period of time during which an organ or cell is incapable of repeating a particular action, or (more precisely) the amount of time it takes for an excitable membrane to be ready for a second stimulus once it returns to its resting state following an excitation.

Why does a refractory period occur?

The refractory periods are due to the inactivation property of voltage-gated sodium channels and the lag of potassium channels in closing. During this time, the extra potassium conductance means that the membrane is at a higher threshold and will require a greater stimulus to cause action potentials to fire.

What occurs during a refractory period?

What is a refractory period in a neuron quizlet?

Refractory period. a brief time period after an action potential has been initiated during which an axon is either incapable of generating another action potential. The excitable plasma membrane recovers at this time and becomes ready to respond to another stimulus.