Electroencephalography (EEG) has been used to characterize different patterns of sleep. Stage 1 and 2 of sleep is characterized by high frequency activity. What causes the EEG signal?
A) Cortical and thalamocortical neurons fire synchronously.
B) Cortical and thalamocortical neurons fire independently.
C) Cortical and thalamocortical neurons fire at high frequencies.
D) Cortical and thalamocortical neurons fire in bursts of activity.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The low frequency activity is due to bursts of synchronous activity in thalamocortical neurons. The high frequency activity is due to many neurons firing independently so that the net activity is high.

Electroencephalography (EEG) Has Been Used to Characterize Different Patterns of Sleep