Mnemonic

Cardiac Action Potential Phases - All Points Reach Plateau, Restore

A mnemonic for the five phases of the ventricular cardiac action potential.

Expansion

All Points Reach Plateau, Restore

Expansion

  • A - All → Phase 0: rapid depolarisation (Na⁺ channels open; membrane shoots to +30 mV)
  • P - Points → Phase 1: early partial repolarisation (transient K⁺ outflow)
  • R - Reach → Phase 2: plateau (Ca²⁺ influx balances K⁺ efflux; unique to cardiac muscle)
  • P - Plateau → Phase 3: rapid repolarisation (K⁺ channels dominate; Ca²⁺ channels close)
  • R - Restore → Phase 4: resting membrane potential restored (Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase activity)