What does a T-wave on an ECG represent?

The T-wave on an ECG represents ventricular muscle repolarization. After the ventricles contract, they need to reset their electrical state to prepare for the next heartbeat. This phase of resetting is known as repolarization, and it is visually depicted as the T-wave on an electrocardiogram.

Ventricular repolarization is critical because it leads the heart's electrical system to return to its resting state, ensuring that the next contraction can occur efficiently. This process is essential for maintaining a proper rhythm and function of the heart.

Atrial depolarization is represented by the P-wave, indicating the electrical activation of the atria. Ventricular muscle contraction is shown by the QRS complex, which highlights the depolarization process that triggers ventricular contraction. Atrioventricular conduction does not have a specific waveform on the ECG; instead, it refers to the transmission of impulses between the atria and ventricles, typically identified by the time interval between the P-wave and the QRS complex. Understanding these components is key to interpreting ECG readings accurately.