What does neurophysiology study?

Neurophysiology is a branch of neuroscience that focuses specifically on understanding the function of the nervous system, including how neurons communicate, how neural circuits operate, and how these processes affect behavior and bodily functions. This field encompasses the study of various physiological activities within the nervous system, such as electrical signaling in nerve cells and the underlying mechanisms that lead to sensation, motor control, and information processing. By examining these functional aspects, neurophysiology provides insights into both normal functioning and conditions that may disrupt neural processes.

In contrast, the other choices encompass different areas of study. The effects of chemicals on the brain relate more specifically to neuropharmacology. The structure of the human skull falls under anatomy or osteology rather than neurophysiology. The processing of information in the brain is a relevant concept but is more specialized within cognitive neuroscience or neuropsychology, focusing on higher-order functions rather than the broader functional activities of the nervous system as a whole. Thus, while these other options touch on related subjects, they do not encapsulate the primary focus of neurophysiology.