Final answer:
Single cell recording involves directly measuring the electrical activity of neurons, thereby capturing neuron firing patterns. Electroencephalography (EEG) registers brain waves, while functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) gives a localized functional map of active brain regions.option a is the answer
Step-by-step explanation:
The technique referred to in the student's question, mapping by electrophysiological means or single cell recording, involves the direct measurement of electrical signals produced by neurons. This method is crucial for understanding the electrophysiological processes in the nervous system, notably neuron firing patterns. Scientists achieve this measurement by placing electrodes in proximity to neurons and recording their activity. These recorded electrical signals can manifest as rapid action potentials, often analogous to static on a radio. By analyzing these patterns, electrophysiologists can ascertain how neurons behave individually or in networks during various tasks or responses.
Electroencephalography (EEG) is another related technique that measures the brain's electrical activity through an array of electrodes placed on a person's head. This results in a printout of the brainwaves, providing information on the frequency and amplitude of electrical activity with millisecond accuracy. EEG is particularly useful for studying sleep patterns and disorders.
For visualizing brain activity related to specific functions or tasks, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is employed to generate maps of active brain regions. Unlike EEG, fMRI measures changes in blood flow and oxygen consumption in active neuronal areas, providing localized functional information about the brain.