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Multiple Choice
The pacemaker potential is also called which of the following?
A
Resting potential
B
Action potential
C
Threshold potential
D
Prepotential
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that the pacemaker potential is a unique feature of certain cardiac cells, particularly in the sinoatrial (SA) node, which is responsible for initiating the heartbeat.
Recognize that the pacemaker potential is not a resting potential, as it is not stable and continuously drifts towards the threshold, unlike the resting potential which is stable in non-pacemaker cells.
Differentiate between action potential and pacemaker potential. The action potential is a rapid depolarization and repolarization event, whereas the pacemaker potential is a gradual depolarization that leads to the threshold and triggers the action potential.
Identify that the threshold potential is the membrane potential at which an action potential is triggered, but it is not the same as the pacemaker potential, which is the gradual depolarization leading up to this point.
Conclude that the pacemaker potential is also known as the prepotential, as it precedes the action potential and is responsible for setting the pace of the heartbeat by reaching the threshold potential.