Intermediate
Technical
IVT
refractory period
The brief interval after an action potential during which a neuron cannot fire another action potential.
Full Definition
The refractory period consists of absolute and relative phases following action potential generation. During the absolute refractory period (1-2 milliseconds), sodium channels are inactivated and no stimulus can trigger another action potential. The relative refractory period follows, when a stronger-than-normal stimulus is required for firing. This mechanism prevents backward propagation of action potentials and limits maximum firing frequency. Understanding refractory periods is essential for interpreting neural recordings and computational models.
Usage
Usage note: Do not confuse with neural adaptation, which occurs over longer timescales.
In Context
- "The refractory period limits the neuron's maximum firing rate to approximately 500 Hz." — Neurophysiology textbook
- "Prolonged refractory periods were measured in the patient's motor neurons." — Clinical electrophysiology report
Also known as
neural refractory phase
Don't confuse with
accommodation
adaptation