afterdepolarization


afterdepolarization

 [af″ter-de-po″lah-rĭ-za´shun] an oscillation in potential" >membrane potential that is dependent upon a preceding action potential for its initiation, and which upon reaching potential" >threshold potential can induce arrhythmias that are said to be “triggered.” Early afterdepolarizations occur during phases 2 and 3 of repolarization; delayed afterdepolarizations follow full repolarization.