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Myocardial Action Potential

Meaning

The Myocardial Action Potential is the characteristic electrical impulse that propagates across the membrane of a cardiac muscle cell, serving as the fundamental trigger for myocardial contraction. This potential is a rapid, transient change in the membrane voltage that dictates the timing and force of the heartbeat. Its precise waveform, notably the prolonged plateau phase, distinguishes it from nerve or skeletal muscle action potentials and is essential for coordinating the heart’s rhythmic, synchronized pumping action.