Which type of neural activity, action potentials, or synaptic potentials, produces the EEG?
Answer Thanks for using AllExperts, Tim. The EEG monitors electrical activity as produced by post-synaptic potentials. Action potentials do not show up in the EEG readout; that said, the EEG cannot indicate which neurons are producing given electrical activity, only a general reading of the brain’s post-synaptic potentials. Nor can the EEG monitor neurons deep within the brain: voltage from post-synaptic potentials drops quickly with increasing distance, meaning that only that neurons closest to the scalp register activity on the EEG.
