WBR1015

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Author [[PageAuthor::Rim Halaby, M.D. [1]]]
Exam Type ExamType::USMLE Step 1
Main Category MainCategory::Physiology
Sub Category SubCategory::Cardiology
Prompt [[Prompt::Shown below is an image depicting the ventricular action potential. Which of the following phases of the action potential, labelled from A to E, correspond to...?

]]

Answer A AnswerA::A
Answer A Explanation [[AnswerAExp::A corresponds to phase 0 of the ventricular action potential. Phase 0 is characterized by a depolarization caused by the abrupt opening of the voltage gated sodium channel.]]
Answer B AnswerB::B
Answer B Explanation [[AnswerBExp::B corresponds to phase 1 of the ventricular action potential. Phase 1 is characterized by an early repolarization caused by the closure of the sodium channels and the opening of voltage gated potassium channels.]]
Answer C AnswerC::C
Answer C Explanation [[AnswerCExp::C corresponds to phase 2 of the ventricular action potential. Phase 2 is characterized by a plateau. The plateau results from the opening of the voltage gated calcium channels leading to an influx of calcium that balances the potassium efflux.]]
Answer D AnswerD::D
Answer D Explanation [[AnswerDExp::D corresponds to phase 3 of the ventricular action potential. Phase 3 is characterized by a rapid repolarization caused by the closure of the calcium channels and opening of the slow voltage gated potassium channel.]]
Answer E AnswerE::E
Answer E Explanation [[AnswerEExp::E corresponds to phase 4 of the ventricular action potential. Phase 4 is characterized by a resting potential which is caused by the high potassium permeability through the potassium channels.]]
Right Answer RightAnswer::
Explanation [[Explanation::The ventricular action potential is composed of four phases:

- Phase 0 (depolarization): abrupt opening of the voltage gated sodium channel
- Phase 1 (early repolarization): closure of the sodium channels and opening of voltage gated potassium channels
- Phase 2 (plateau): opening of the voltage gated calcium channels leading to an influx of calcium that balances the potassium efflux
- Phase 3 (rapid repolarization): closure of the calcium channels and opening of the slow voltage gated potassium channel
- Phase 4 (resting potential): high potassium permeability through the potassium channels
Shown below is an image depicting the different phases of the ventricular action potential.

Education objective:


Reference: First aid for USMLE step 1, 2014. Page 274.
Educational Objective:
References: ]]

Approved Approved::No
Keyword WBRKeyword::Action potential
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