What does the T Wave on an ECG represent?

What does the T Wave on an ECG represent?

• A. Atrial depolarization
• B. Ventricular contraction
• C. Recovery or relaxation of the ventricles
• D. AV node delay

Answer: (C)

On an ECG, each wave reflects a phase of the heart’s electrical cycle. The T wave specifically marks ventricular repolarization—the ventricles returning to their resting state after contracting. In other words, the T wave represents the recovery or relaxation of the ventricles in preparation for the next heartbeat. The AV node delay is seen earlier as part of the PR interval, and atrial depolarization is the P wave, not the T wave. So the T wave signals the ventricles finishing their electrical reset and relaxing.

On an ECG, each wave reflects a phase of the heart’s electrical cycle. The T wave specifically marks ventricular repolarization—the ventricles returning to their resting state after contracting. In other words, the T wave represents the recovery or relaxation of the ventricles in preparation for the next heartbeat. The AV node delay is seen earlier as part of the PR interval, and atrial depolarization is the P wave, not the T wave. So the T wave signals the ventricles finishing their electrical reset and relaxing.