What type of action potentials are characterized by slower myocardial action potentials in SA and AV nodes?

Prepare for the NBEO General Physiology Exam. Study with detailed flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with explanations. Ensure success on your exam!

Pacemaker action potentials are characterized by slower myocardial action potentials specifically found in the sinoatrial (SA) node and the atrioventricular (AV) node. These action potentials are responsible for initiating and conducting the electrical impulses that regulate the heart's rhythm.

The unique feature of pacemaker action potentials is their gradual depolarization, which happens due to specific ion channels, primarily sodium and calcium channels, opening and allowing the influx of these ions. This gradual depolarization leads to automaticity, meaning that these cells can generate action potentials spontaneously without external stimulation.

In contrast, the other types of action potentials, such as ventricular and fast action potentials, are associated with faster depolarization and excitement of the myocardial cells in the ventricles, which have a different ionic balance and conduction properties. Resting action potentials, while important to the overall understanding of cardiac cells, do not specifically pertain to the spontaneous generation of impulses in the pacemaking regions of the heart.

Thus, the defining characteristics of the pacemaker action potentials align well with the types of action potentials seen in the SA and AV nodes, making it the correct answer.

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