Question

question 18 of 30
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what is the significance of the long refractory period in cardiac muscle?
it allows for stronger contractions
it prevents them for growing larger
it does not permit tetanus
it allows autorhythmicity

Explanation:

The refractory period in cardiac muscle is the time during which the muscle cannot be re - stimulated. Tetanus is a sustained contraction. A long refractory period in cardiac muscle ensures that each contraction is a single, coordinated event. If tetanus were to occur in cardiac muscle, it would disrupt the normal pumping function of the heart.
Autorhythmicity (the ability of the heart to initiate its own electrical impulses) is due to specialized cells in the heart (like the sino - atrial node) and not related to the refractory period. A long refractory period does not directly relate to allowing for stronger contractions (which is more related to factors like calcium availability and muscle fiber recruitment). Also, it has no role in preventing muscle growth.

Answer:

it does not permit tetanus