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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
A 9 page discussion of the importance of cardiac action potential. The author describes the physiological function of cardiac action potential and emphasizes that it can be impacted by a number of factors such as individual genetics, drugs, and conditions such as diabetes. Bibliography lists 9 sources.
Page Count:
9 pages (~225 words per page)
File: AM2_PPcrdAct.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
is the electrical signal which causes the tiny cells in the heart muscle to contract. The rhythmic and systematic contraction of these cells is critical in that it results
in the contraction of the heart muscle as a whole, a contraction which allows the transport of blood throughout the body. The cardiac action potential is important in another
perspective in that it is commonly affected by a number of drugs such as antiarrhythmics. Bosen and Flemming (2003) report:
"Amiodarone, bretylium, ibutilide, and sotalol increase action potential duration. Quinidine, procainamide, and disopyramide prolong action potential duration and increase refractoriness. Lidocaine, phenytoin, tocainide, and
mexiletine shorten action potential duration and decrease refractoriness". These effects are understandable given that
cardiac action potential occurs because of the differences in ionic charges which exist across cellular membranes. It is important to note that the membranes and cell walls in a
living organism are not passive. Passage back and forth through these membranes and walls is the result of a complex chemical procedure not simply passive diffusion. Typically the
cell membranes in a living organism are selectively permeable. That is they only allow passage of select types and sizes of molecules. This allows them to maintain various
solute concentration gradients. Specific molecules have the capability of moving through a cell membrane via special ion channels, channels which allow the passage of some ions yet block the
passage of others. This relationship results in a specific permeability and the establishment of a concentration gradient. In the living
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