The Genesis of the Eeg

An analysis of the relationships between the gross EEG and the wave activity of individual nerve cells is presented and indicates that the gross activity is produced through summation of the synchronized activity of a comparatively small fraction of the cerebral neuronal population.

Abstract

EEG is derived from wave activity of nerve cells in the cerebral cortex. The elementary generators of the EEG are relatively small patches of the cell membrane, including several synapses and some passive membrane through which the synaptic current returns into the cell. However, there is still no definitive evidence as to the approximate size of such unitary generators and their relative distribution on the cell body and dendrites. An analysis of the relationships between the gross EEG and the wave activity of individual nerve cells is presented in the chapter. The analysis indicates that the gross activity is produced through summation of the synchronized activity of a comparatively small fraction of the cerebral neuronal population. Although the rest of the population also is active, their contributions are not synchronized and summate much less effectively, not reaching the limit of resolution of EEG recorders. Implications for computer analysis of EEG data are presented in the chapter.