What is the primary function of electromyography (EMG)?

The primary function of electromyography (EMG) is to measure electrical activity in muscles. EMG works by detecting the electrical potentials generated by muscle fibers when they are activated. This allows researchers and clinicians to assess muscle function, coordination, and response to stimuli, which can be critical in understanding various medical conditions or in the rehabilitation process following injury.

In the context of speech science, EMG can be particularly useful for studying the muscles involved in speech production, such as those controlling the larynx, tongue, and other articulators. By monitoring the electrical signals from these muscles, professionals can gain insights into their function and coordination during speech, which is vital for diagnosing disorders and improving treatment strategies.

The other options relate to different technologies and functions that are not the focus of EMG. For instance, creating spectrograms pertains to acoustic analysis of sound waves, visualizing brain activity is associated with techniques like fMRI or EEG, and detecting anatomical structures relates to imaging methods such as ultrasound or MRI. These functions are distinct from what EMG specifically measures.