What is one of the contradictions in "paradoxical" sleep?
A) The frequency of the brain waves is low, while the amplitude is high.
B) The brain is very active, while many of the muscles are deeply relaxed.
C) Subcortical structures are very active, while the cerebral cortex is inactive.
D) Postural muscles are tense, while heart rate and breathing rate are very low.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

During paradoxical sleep, also known as REM sleep, the brain is very active and shows similar levels of activity to when the individual is awake. However, during this stage, many of the muscles, especially the postural muscles, are deeply relaxed and may even be temporarily paralyzed. This paradoxical combination of deep muscle relaxation and active brain function is what gives this stage of sleep its name. The other answer choices describe aspects of sleep, but they do not represent a contradiction or paradoxical combination of features.

What Is One of the Contradictions in "Paradoxical" Sleep