K-complex
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
- Medical encyclopedia article on K-complex
- Wikipedia's article - K-complex
This WikiMD 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