The source of the electrical potentials recorded from the scalp of a subject is
A) the natural flow of electrical current along the outer cell layers of skin.
B) the signals generated by the contraction of muscle fibers that lie under the scalp.
C) the summated activity of nerve cell action potentials and postsynaptic potentials.
D) the signals generated by the activity of the sweat glands in response to stressors.
E) movement of ions generated by magnetic currents.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The electrical potentials recorded from the scalp of a subject are generated by the summated activity of nerve cell action potentials and postsynaptic potentials. These electrical signals are generated by the activity of cortical neurons and are conducted through the tissues of the brain and skull to the electrodes on the scalp. The electrical signals are then detected and recorded by the EEG machine.

The Source of the Electrical Potentials Recorded from the Scalp