Question

Duration during which a nerve is not able to conduct another impulse after the conduction of one is called

• A. Chloride shift
• B. N$a^{+}$, $K^{+}$ pump
• C. Absolute refractory period
• D. Saltation

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Absolute refractory period

Once the depolarization occurs and the interior of the membrane becomes positively charged, the membrane potential reaches to almost +52 mV, the voltage-gated Na${}^{+}$ channels remain inactive for a brief period in which there cannot be the sensation of another stimulus. This is called the absolute refractory period during which the second impulse cannot be generated. It coincides with the depolarization peak of the membrane of the axon. The relative refractory period coincides with the repolarization period.

Hence, the correct answer is 'Absolute refractory period'