K-complex

From WikiMD.org
Jump to navigation Jump to search

K-complex

K-complex (/keɪˈkɒmplɛks/) is a waveform that can be observed in an electroencephalogram (EEG). It is a characteristic feature of stage 2 non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREM sleep).

Etymology

The term "K-complex" was first used in 1937 by Loomis, Harvey, and Hobart. The "K" in K-complex is believed to stand for "Kappe", which is the German word for "peak". This is due to the characteristic shape of the K-complex, which features a sharp peak followed by a slow wave.

Description

A K-complex is a high amplitude pattern of brain activity that can be visually identified in an EEG. It is often followed by a sleep spindle, another characteristic feature of stage 2 NREM sleep. K-complexes are thought to serve as a bridge between light sleep and deep sleep, and they may also play a role in memory consolidation.

Related Terms

  • Electroencephalography: A diagnostic test that measures electrical activity in the brain.
  • Non-rapid eye movement sleep: One of the two basic states of sleep. It is characterized by slow, synchronized brain waves and is divided into three stages.
  • Sleep spindle: A burst of brain activity visible on an EEG that occurs during stage 2 of NREM sleep.

External links

Esculaap.svg

This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.


Languages: - East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, Urdu, বাংলা, తెలుగు, தமிழ், ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, European español, Deutsch, français, русский, português do Brasil, Italian, polski