refractory period

American  

noun

Physiology.

1. a short period after a nerve or muscle cell fires during which the cell cannot respond to additional stimulation.

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refractory period British  

noun

1. a period during which a nerve or muscle is incapable of responding to stimulation, esp immediately following a previous stimulation. In an absolute refractory period there is a total inability to respond; in an effective or relative refractory period there is a response to very large stimuli

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refractory period Scientific  

1. The period immediately following the transmission of an impulse in nerve or muscle, in which a neuron or muscle cell regains its ability to transmit another impulse.

2. See more at action potential

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Etymology

Origin of refractory period

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

This begins the neuron's refractory period, in which it cannot produce another action potential because its sodium channels will not open.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

With a crew of dedicated sailors helping him reload, Greyjoy’s scorpion has a refractory period of less than a minute.

From Slate • May 7, 2019

Their influx through slow calcium channels accounts for the prolonged plateau phase and absolute refractory period that enable cardiac muscle to function properly.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Contractile cells have an action potential with an extended plateau phase that results in an extended refractory period to allow complete contraction for the heart to pump blood effectively.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

The refractory period is very long to prevent the possibility of tetany, a condition in which muscle remains involuntarily contracted.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013