Final answer:
Nerve and muscle cell repolarization, part of the refractory period, is crucial for cells to transmit another action potential. Muscle cell repolarization typically takes about 75 ms, while nerve cell repolarization duration can vary but is generally brief.
Step-by-step explanation:
How long it takes for nerve and muscle cells to repolarize is a concept that reflects the refractory period in cellular physiology. After depolarization, repolarization occurs as the cell membrane returns to its resting state. This process is necessary for the cell to be able to transmit another action potential. The period of repolarization can be divided into different phases, involving the closure of sodium channels and the opening of potassium channels.
The specific duration for muscle cells’ repolarization lasts approximately 75 ms, followed by a resting phase to return to resting membrane potential. This sequence ensures proper control of muscle tension and responsiveness to subsequent stimuli. For nerve cells, the repolarization period can vary but is typically brief, allowing for rapid firing of action potentials in quick succession.