What is the term that describes the inability of cardiac cells to respond to a new stimulus while they are still in contraction from a previous stimulus?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Refractoriness. Refractoriness refers to the period during which cardiac cells are unable to respond to a new stimulus while still contracting from a previous stimulus. This is essential for preventing premature re-stimulation and ensuring proper cardiac function.
B: Excitability refers to the ability of cardiac cells to respond to a stimulus, which is the opposite of what is described in the question.
C: Contractility is the ability of cardiac cells to contract in response to an electrical stimulus, not related to the inability to respond to a new stimulus during contraction.
D: Automaticity is the ability of cardiac cells to spontaneously generate electrical impulses, unrelated to the inability to respond to a new stimulus during contraction.