What physiological process does the T wave represent on an EKG?

The T wave on an EKG represents the process of ventricular repolarization, which is closely associated with the relaxation of the heart. During this phase, the electrical activity in the ventricles returns to its resting state after the contraction that is depicted by the preceding QRS complex. As the ventricular muscle cells repolarize, the heart prepares itself for the next contraction cycle.

This is an essential part of the cardiac cycle because it ensures that the heart muscle has adequate time to relax and fill with blood before the subsequent heartbeat. Understanding that the T wave signifies relaxation contributes to a comprehensive knowledge of cardiac function and helps in interpreting EKG readings accurately.