Why is there no wave for atrial repolarisation in the electrocardiogram?

While atrial repolarisation exists, you actually can't see it in the ECG! I can draw you a diagram of a normal cardiac cycle: this is the P wave, that you'll know represents the DEpolarisation of the atria. The QRS complex here represents the huuuuge wave of ventricular depolarisation, and then the T wave is the ventricles REpolarising.

So when does atrial repolarisation happen in the cardiac cycle? It happens very shortly after its contraction! Almost immediately after a heart muscle depolarises and contracts, it repolarises again! So the atrial repolarisation - what's called a Ta wave - is actually ABSORBED by the QRS complex, so you don't end up seeing it on an ECG!

SM
Answered by Scott M. Human Biology tutor

6560 Views

See similar Human Biology A Level tutors

Related Human Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

When blood enters an arteriole, fluid leaks out into the tissues. Explain how most of the fluid is returned to the arteriole.


‘Smokers suffer from more lower respiratory tract infections.’ Justify this statement in light of respiratory tract protection mechanisms.


What are some of the principles of human biology?


What is X-linked recessive inheritance?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning