What occurs during the second phase of the myocardial action potential?

During the second phase of the myocardial action potential, known as the plateau phase, there is a slow influx of calcium ions. This phase is characterized by a prolonged depolarization that maintains the cardiac muscle's contraction. The entry of calcium through L-type calcium channels plays a crucial role in the excitation-contraction coupling of cardiac myocytes, leading to muscle contraction.

The plateau phase is essential for preventing tetany in the heart, allowing enough time for the heart muscle to contract and subsequently relax before the next heartbeat. This unique characteristic of the cardiac action potential is necessary for the proper functioning of the heart, ensuring that the muscle can adequately fill with blood before the next contraction.

In contrast, the rapid influx of sodium represents the initial depolarization phase, while potassium efflux occurs primarily during the repolarization phase that follows the plateau. Thus, the slow influx of calcium is a defining feature of the second phase, highlighting its critical role in maintaining cardiac function.