Question

Explain what accounts for the long duration of the cardiac action potential and the resultant long refractory period. State what is the advantage of the long plateau of the cardiac action potential and the long refractory period.

Answer 1

Balance of charge moving into and out of the cell.A second action potential can only begin after a significant delay.This is the reason for  long duration of the cardiac action potential and the resultant long refractory period. The resulting contractions are thus separated and cause the heart to pump in a rhythmical, pumping fashion.This  is the advantage of the long plateau of the cardiac action potential and the long refractory period.