Generation of an Action Potential in a Cardiac Cell

This applet shows the generation of an action potential in a cardiac cell using the Beeler-Reuter model. The schematic at the left indicates ions moving across the membrane through representative ion channels. Note that different ions are involved during different phases of the action potential. The figures on the right plot the time course of the action potential (top) and the transmembrane currents (bottom). Note that the time has been slowed down during the beginning of the action potential (the upstroke) to facilitate viewing the rapid changes in the currents, ions, and membrane potential during this time.

Observe the long duration compared to the neural action potential.

To use the applet, click Start, and then click Excite to elicit an action potential.