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← Human Body & HealthDuring sleep, what causes the increased amplitude of slow waves measured by EEG in the cerebral cortex as sleep pressure increases?
A)Decreased thalamic neuron inhibition
B)Enhanced synaptic depression strength✓
C)Increased astrocyte glutamate release
D)Reduced GABAergic interneuron activity
💡 Explanation
Enhanced synaptic depression during sleep reduces synaptic strength, resulting in synchronized neuronal firing and increased slow-wave amplitude on EEG, because homeostatic synaptic downscaling occurs. Therefore, B is correct, rather than A, C, or D, which would result in increased cortical excitation.
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