The resting potential of nodal cells is primarily maintained by which type of channels?

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Prepare for the Electrophysiology Unit (EPU) 26.19 exam with our interactive quiz featuring flashcards and multiple choice questions. Check your understanding with hints and explanations for each question.

Multiple Choice

The resting potential of nodal cells is primarily maintained by which type of channels?

Explanation:
Nodal (pacemaker) cells rely on slow calcium influx to set and progress toward threshold. In these cells there aren’t many fast sodium channels, so there isn’t a quick, Na+-driven upstroke like in ventricular tissue. Instead, the inward current through slow calcium channels slowly depolarizes the membrane during diastole, driving the pacemaker activity that maintains their characteristic resting/pacemaker potential. Chloride channels aren’t the main driver here, and potassium leak channels provide only a background set point rather than the depolarizing force.

Nodal (pacemaker) cells rely on slow calcium influx to set and progress toward threshold. In these cells there aren’t many fast sodium channels, so there isn’t a quick, Na+-driven upstroke like in ventricular tissue. Instead, the inward current through slow calcium channels slowly depolarizes the membrane during diastole, driving the pacemaker activity that maintains their characteristic resting/pacemaker potential. Chloride channels aren’t the main driver here, and potassium leak channels provide only a background set point rather than the depolarizing force.

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