Prab: CSV import

2024-02-10T17:44:58Z

CSV import

New page

== Plateau Potentials ==

'''Plateau Potentials''' (pronunciation: pla-toh po-ten-shals) are a type of [[Membrane Potential|membrane potential]] that remain at a depolarized level for an extended period before repolarizing.

=== Etymology ===

The term "Plateau Potentials" is derived from the French word "plateau" meaning flat or level, and the Latin word "potentialis" meaning power or force. This term is used to describe the flat or level phase of the action potential where the membrane potential remains depolarized.

=== Definition ===

Plateau Potentials are a characteristic feature of certain [[Excitable Cell|excitable cells]], such as [[Cardiac Muscle Cell|cardiac muscle cells]] and some [[Smooth Muscle Cell|smooth muscle cells]]. These potentials are caused by a balance between inward [[Calcium Ion|calcium ion]] currents and outward [[Potassium Ion|potassium ion]] currents. This balance results in a prolonged depolarized state, or "plateau", before the cell repolarizes.

=== Related Terms ===

* [[Action Potential]]: An action potential is a short-lasting event in which the electrical membrane potential of a cell rapidly rises and falls.
* [[Depolarization]]: Depolarization is a change within a cell, during which the cell undergoes a shift in electric charge distribution, resulting in less negative charge inside the cell.
* [[Repolarization]]: Repolarization is the change in membrane potential that returns it to a negative value just after the depolarization phase of an action potential has changed the membrane potential to a positive value.

[[Category:Neuroscience]]
[[Category:Physiology]]
[[Category:Medical Terminology]]

{{dictionary-stub}}

Plateau potentials - Revision history

Prab: CSV import