What phase follows the absolute refractory state?

Study for the CCI Echocardiography Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The phase that follows the absolute refractory state is the relative refractory phase. During the absolute refractory period, cardiac cells cannot respond to any stimulus, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the heartbeat and preventing inappropriate re-excitation. Once this period concludes, the cells enter the relative refractory phase.

In the relative refractory phase, the cardiac cells have begun to recover and can respond to strong stimuli, although they are not fully depolarized and are still in the process of repolarization. This phase is critical in the cardiac cycle as it sets the stage for the potential initiation of another action potential, depending on the strength of the stimulus.

The other phases mentioned, such as the resting phase, systolic phase, and diastolic phase, are related to different aspects of the cardiac cycle but do not directly follow the absolute refractory state in terms of electrical activity within the cardiac muscle cells. The resting phase refers to the return to a stable state after depolarization, the systolic phase corresponds to the contraction of the heart, and the diastolic phase pertains to the relaxation phase where the heart fills with blood. Hence, the correct answer reflects the sequence of recovery from absolute refractoriness to a state where excitability is partially restored.

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