gating mechanism

1. occurrence of the maximum refractory period among cardiac conducting cells approximately 2-mm proximal to the terminal Purkinje fibers in the ventricular muscle, beyond which the refractory period is shortened through a sequence of Purkinje cells, transitional cells, and muscular cells; gating mechanism may be a cause of ventricular aberration, bidirectional tachycardia, and concealed extrasystoles;
2. a mechanism by which painful impulses may be blocked from entering the spinal cord.

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