What aspect of heart function does the term "repolarization" refer to?

Repolarization refers specifically to the process during which the heart's muscle cells recover and return to their resting state following depolarization, which is the phase of activation when the cells contract. This recovery phase is crucial for proper heart function, as it allows the heart muscles to relax after each heartbeat, leading to a rhythmic cycle of contraction and relaxation vital for effective pumping of blood.

During repolarization, ions such as potassium exit the cardiac cells, restoring the negative internal charge and preparing the cells for the next heartbeat. This process is essential for maintaining the heart’s electrical rhythm and ensuring that the heart can repeatedly contract and relax effectively, supporting a consistent blood flow throughout the body. Understanding this phase is fundamental in the context of cardiac function and health assessments, particularly in interpreting electrocardiograms (ECGs).