Question

What is the purpose of an electroencephalograph (EEG)?

1) To measure brain activity
2) To measure heart activity
3) To measure lung activity
4) To measure muscle activity

Answer 1

An electroencephalograph (EEG) is used to measure overall brain activity by recording brainwaves through electrodes placed around the head.

Step-by-step explanation:

The purpose of an electroencephalograph (EEG) is to measure brain activity. This is achieved by placing an array of electrodes around a person's head to capture the electrical activity occurring in the brain. The EEG provides a readout of brainwaves, which includes the frequency and amplitude of the electrical signals within the brain, offering precise temporal resolution, often within milliseconds. This tool is highly useful for studying brain functions, including sleep patterns and assessing the occurrence of brain disorders.

Unlike functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), which provides a detailed map of active areas in the brain, EEG is generally used to assess overall brain activity without pinpointing the exact location of such activity.