| afterpotential | The small change in electrical potential in a stimulated nerve that follows the main, or spike, potential; it consists of an initial negative deflection followed by a positive deflection in the oscillograph record. (05 Mar 2000) |
|---|---|
| positive afterpotential | A spontaneous or inducible increase in transmembrane potential of a cardiac or nerve cell following the completion of repolarization. In the heart, this usually corresponds to the electrocardiographic U wave. (05 Mar 2000) |
| diastolic afterpotential | In the heart, a transmembrane potential change following repolarization, which may reach threshold magnitude and cause a rhythm disturbance; often recorded in poisoning, as by digitalis overdosage. (05 Mar 2000) |