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Multiple Choice
Ventricular depolarization and repolarization are represented by which measure on an electrocardiogram (ECG)?
A
T wave
B
QRS complex
C
P wave
D
PR interval
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the components of an electrocardiogram (ECG): An ECG is a graphical representation of the electrical activity of the heart. It consists of several waves and intervals that correspond to different phases of the cardiac cycle.
Identify the phases of the cardiac cycle: The cardiac cycle includes depolarization and repolarization of the heart chambers. Depolarization is the process by which the heart muscle cells become electrically activated, leading to contraction, while repolarization is the process of returning to the resting state.
Recognize the ECG components: The P wave represents atrial depolarization, the QRS complex represents ventricular depolarization, and the T wave represents ventricular repolarization. The PR interval is the time between the onset of the P wave and the start of the QRS complex, indicating the conduction time from the atria to the ventricles.
Focus on ventricular activity: Ventricular depolarization is represented by the QRS complex, which is typically the largest wave on the ECG due to the significant electrical activity involved in ventricular contraction.
Understand the role of the T wave: The T wave follows the QRS complex and represents ventricular repolarization, which is the recovery phase after the ventricles have contracted.