Slow-wave Potential - Causes

Causes

There are two causes of production of slow waves. First, the subsequent increase and decrease in the rate at which Na ions are pumped out of the membrane. This is known as the "waxing and wanning" of Na ions which results in subsequent increase and decrease in membrane potential hence producing slow waves. For instance, when Na pumping out of the membrane increases, membrane potential become more negative and when pumping decreases, membrane potential becomes less negative eventually reaching threshold potential to cause the action potential. The increase and decrease in conductances of Na channels also causes a similar effect to produce slow waves.