TLS Online TPP Program

#Id: 5267

#Unit 7. System Physiology – Animal

The SA node exhibits automaticity; it can spontaneously generate action potentials without neural input. 

TLS Online TPP Program

#Id: 5268

#Unit 7. System Physiology – Animal

SA node has an unstable resting membrane potential.

The “resting membrane potential” of the sinus nodal fiber between discharges has a negativity of about −55 to −60 millivolts.

TLS Online TPP Program

#Id: 5269

#Unit 7. System Physiology – Animal

The cause of less negative RMP of SA node is that the cell membranes of the sinus fibers are naturally leaky to sodium and calcium ions.

TLS Online TPP Program

#Id: 5270

#Unit 7. System Physiology – Animal

The inherent leakiness of the sinus nodal fibers to sodium and calcium ions causes their self-excitation.

TLS Online TPP Program

#Id: 5271

#Unit 7. System Physiology – Animal

SA node has Prepotential or pacemaker potential which is the gradual potential rise from the resting membrane potential to threshold  ( -40 mV) & this occur spontaneously.

TLS Online TPP Program

#Id: 5272

#Unit 7. System Physiology – Animal

Membrane ion channels that play important roles in generation of the action potential:

T (transient) channels 

L (long-lasting) channels

Voltage gated potassium ion channel