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repolarizes

Repolarizes is the present tense form of repolarize, a term used in physiology to describe the return of an excitable cell’s resting membrane potential after depolarization during an action potential. In neurons and cardiac and smooth muscle cells, the resting potential is typically negative with respect to the outside of the cell, and repolarization returns the membrane to that negative baseline.

In neurons, repolarization occurs mainly through the opening of voltage-gated potassium channels that allow K+ to

In cardiac muscle cells, repolarization is a key part of the cardiac action potential and is largely

Clinically, disrupted repolarization can lead to abnormal heart rhythms and is a common target of drugs and

exit
the
cell.
This
outward
flow
reduces
the
inward
positive
charge,
helping
to
restore
the
negative
membrane
potential
after
the
rapid
influx
of
Na+
during
depolarization.
The
process
is
rapid
and
is
followed
by
a
brief
hyperpolarization
phase,
after
which
the
membrane
potential
returns
to
its
resting
value
via
ion
pumps
and
leak
channels.
mediated
by
outward
K+
currents,
including
delayed
rectifier
channels.
The
timing
and
rate
of
repolarization
influence
the
duration
of
the
action
potential
and
the
refractory
period,
which
help
coordinate
rhythmic
contractions
and
prevent
reentry
circuits
that
could
cause
arrhythmias.
Calcium
handling
and
potassium
channel
activity
together
shape
the
repolarization
phase
in
the
heart.
toxins.
Prolonged
repolarization
can
manifest
as
a
lengthened
QT
interval
on
an
electrocardiogram
and
is
associated
with
torsades
de
pointes
in
some
cases.
Overall,
repolarization
is
essential
for
resetting
excitability
and
maintaining
proper
timing
in
electrical
signaling.