The time after the absolute refractory phase where only a much stronger stimulation can spark another action potential. This is due to the hyperpolarization that occurs following an action potential.

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

The period of time immediately following an action potential during which a neuron's responsiveness to subsequent stimulation is either completely absent or significantly reduced.

Refractory Phase

Breedlove, S. & Watson, N. (2017). Behavioral neuroscience, eighth edition. Oxford University Press.

Behavioral Neuroscience 8th Edition

The short time after a neuron has fired where it is impossible to elicit another action potential. This is because voltage-gated Na+ ion channels are unresponsive at this time. 

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