List three reasons why the refractory period of an axon is important to its function. What is occurring during the refractory period? (in which direction are ions moving and which ion channels are opening/closing). How do the absolute and relative refractory periods differ? Why is  60Hz alternating current so deadly? (discuss in terms of the refractory period).

refractory period of an axon is the time taken by a cell membrane that is at rest to respond to another or a second stimulus. The refractory period of an axon is important because; 1. It determines the maximum number of actions potentials that can take place at a given period of time. (Maximum rate). 2. It shows how the nervous system responds to any stimuli of high frequency that may occur. Explaining why action potentials do not return to their point of stimulation or initiation as they move along the axon. 3. It explains the ability or potential of the nervous system to convey signals of high frequency to the effector organs when it is needed.

Step-by-step explanation

During the refractory period, depolarization, which is caused when sodium ions (positively charged) move through the open sodium ions channel into the neuron , changing the polarity of the membrane. During repolarization, the sodium ions channels closes as the potassium ions channels open and these ions move out of the cell. This restores the negative membrane potential of the cell. In hyperpolarization, the sodium ion channels reset while potassium ion channels remain open and more potassium ions leave the cell. The period of time from opening of sodium ion channels to resetting then is the refractory period. 

Absolute refractory period refers to the period of time where no second action potential can take place regardless of how large the stimuli is while relative refractory period refers to the period of time after absolute refractory period where initiation of a second action potential is inhibited. 

60Hz alternating current is deadly since it may cause great muscle contractions. This contractions makes the victim unable to release the electrified object since they cannot control their muscles. This occurs when there is no enough energy to initiate an action potential during the refractory period that would enable the victim to release the electrified object before they get electrocuted since it occurs very fast.