What happens to the inside of a cardiac cell during repolarization?

What happens to the inside of a cardiac cell during repolarization?

• A. The inside becomes neutral
• B. The inside becomes more positive
• C. The inside becomes more negative
• D. The inside becomes electrically charged

Answer: (C)

During repolarization, the inside of a cardiac cell becomes more negative. This process occurs after depolarization, which is the phase where the inside of the cell becomes positively charged due to the influx of sodium ions. To restore the membrane potential to its resting state, potassium ions move out of the cell, resulting in a reduction of positive charge inside. As more positive charges leave the cell, the inside becomes relatively more negative compared to the outside. This return to a more negative internal environment is critical for preparing the cardiac cells for the next action potential, ensuring proper heart rhythm and function.

During repolarization, the inside of a cardiac cell becomes more negative. This process occurs after depolarization, which is the phase where the inside of the cell becomes positively charged due to the influx of sodium ions. To restore the membrane potential to its resting state, potassium ions move out of the cell, resulting in a reduction of positive charge inside. As more positive charges leave the cell, the inside becomes relatively more negative compared to the outside. This return to a more negative internal environment is critical for preparing the cardiac cells for the next action potential, ensuring proper heart rhythm and function.