REFRACTORY PERIOD Meaning and
Definition
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The refractory period refers to a temporary phase or period of time during which a physiological or psychological system is unresponsive or less responsive to certain stimuli, particularly after having been previously stimulated. This phenomenon is commonly observed in various contexts, such as human physiology, neurobiology, and sexual function.
In physiology, the refractory period often refers to the recovery phase following the excitation or firing of a nerve cell or muscle fiber. During this period, the affected cell or fiber becomes temporarily unresponsive to further stimulation, as it needs time to reset and restore its original state before being able to respond again.
Within the realm of sexual function, the refractory period has particular significance. It is the period following orgasm during which an individual, typically male, experiences reduced or no sexual arousal and is unable to achieve another orgasm. This period varies greatly depending on various factors, including age, health, and individual differences, and can range from a few minutes to several hours or even longer in extreme cases.
In summary, a refractory period refers to a temporary phase of reduced responsiveness or unresponsiveness that follows a prior stimulation. Whether in physiology or sexuality, it serves as a protective mechanism to allow the system to recover before being able to respond again.
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The period of contraction of the heart during which it fails to respond to stimuli.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for REFRACTORY PERIOD
- eefractory period
- defractory period
- fefractory period
- tefractory period
- 5efractory period
- 4efractory period
- rwfractory period
- rsfractory period
- rdfractory period
- rrfractory period
- r4fractory period
- r3fractory period
- redractory period
- recractory period
- revractory period
- regractory period
- retractory period
- rerractory period
- refeactory period
Etymology of REFRACTORY PERIOD
The word "refractory" is derived from the Latin term "refractarius", which means "obstinate" or "stubborn". It is formed from the prefix "re-" (indicating intensity or opposition) and the root "fractus" (meaning "broken" or "inflexible"). The term "period" originates from the Old French word "periode" or the Latin term "periodus", both of which refer to a specific length of time or a cycle. Therefore, the etymology of the word "refractory period" suggests a stubborn or inflexible duration of time. In the context of physiology and biology, the refractory period refers to a temporary phase during which a particular physiological process becomes less responsive or unresponsive following a prior stimulation.
Similar spelling words for REFRACTORY PERIOD
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