If the pacemaker cells in the SA node become more permeable to potassium ions, the
A) heart rate will increase.
B) heart rate will decrease.
C) cells will depolarize.
D) cells will hyperpolarize.
E) heart rate will decrease and cells will hyperpolarize.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When the pacemaker cells in the SA node become more permeable to potassium ions, it leads to an increased efflux of potassium ions, which makes the cells more negative inside (hyperpolarization). This hyperpolarization slows down the rate of depolarization, which in turn decreases the heart rate.

If the Pacemaker Cells in the SA Node Become More