depolarization

depolarization /de·po·lar·iza·tion/ (de-po?lahr-i-za´shun)

1. the process or act of neutralizing polarity.

2. in electrophysiology, reversal of the resting potential in excitable cell membranes when stimulated.

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atrial premature depolarization  (APD) see under complex.

ventricular premature depolarization  (VPD) see under complex.

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de·po·lar·i·za·tion (d-plr--zshn)

n.

Elimination or neutralization of polarity, as in nerve cells.

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depolarization (dēpō´lrizā´shn),

n a neutralization of polarity; the breaking down of polarized semipermeable membranes, as in nerve or muscle cells in the induction of impulses.

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depolarization

the process or act of neutralizing polarity as in the decrease of membrane potential.

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myocardial depolarization

the conducted cardiac impulse transiently reverses membrane polarity. In this depolarized phase the myocardium is incapable of further contraction.

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depolarization Cardiac pacing 1. The sudden change in electrical potential from negative to slightly positive which occurs during phase O of an action potential in an excitable cell membrane–in nerve and heart muscle 2. A rapid alteration of the resting potential in a large mass of tissue–eg, heart ventricles, which usually results in a contraction. See Action potential, Latency period, Resting potential.