What is the term for the process of the heart muscle returning to its resting state?

The process of the heart muscle returning to its resting state is known as repolarization. When the heart muscle contracts, it experiences depolarization, which is the process of electrical activation leading to contraction. After this contraction, the heart muscle must reset to its resting state, which involves repolarization. This is characterized by the re-establishment of the resting membrane potential, where the interior of the cardiac cells becomes more negative relative to the outside, allowing the heart to prepare for the next contraction.

In this context, repolarization is critical for ensuring that the heart can maintain a proper rhythm and respond appropriately to electrical impulses. Understanding this process is essential for anyone studying cardiology or working in electrocardiography, as it has direct implications for the interpretation of EKGs.