Transcript Brain Imaging Techniques

Techniques to Study
the Brain
3B: The Brain
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How do neuroscientists study the brain’s
connections to behavior and mind?
In the olden days…
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In the past how did we study brain
anatomy?
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It was really difficult to study brain anatomy
and function unless somebody ________ or an
__________ occurred.
Luckily, with modern technology,:
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We don’t necessarily have to wait for tragedy
to get our answers!
Studying the Brain: Research
Methods
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Clinical observations
Damage studies/lesioning
Electroencephalography (EEG)
Electrical stimulation (ESB)
Brain imaging –
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computerized tomography (CT “Cat” scan)
positron emission tomography (PET scan)
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Clinical Observation
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Clinical observations have shed light on a
number of brain disorders.
Alterations in brain morphology due to
neurological and psychiatric diseases are
now being catalogued.
Lesions
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A brain lesion involves experimentally
__________ and ________ sections of brain
in animals, then observing their behaviors
after such destruction
Hubel (1990)
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
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An amplified recording of the electrical waves
(neural activity) sweeping across the brain’s surface,
measured by electrodes placed on the scalp.
Electrical Stimulation (ESB)
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Researchers electrically stimulate parts of the
brain during brain surgery and note the effects
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Applying currents that can shut down or activate
certain parts of the brain
Can you think of any diseases or conditions this could
possibly help fix?
Abuse of ESB?
Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery
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Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w8zPQ8YV43I
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7_7bwHmG4M
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3NjNKm0pio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lq5rIILcVgA
Computerized Tomography
(CT or “Cat” scan)
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CT scanning combines
special x-ray equipment with
sophisticated computers to
produce multiple images or
pictures of the inside of the
body.
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These cross-sectional images of
the area being studied can then
be examined on a computer
monitor or printed.
Provides greater clarity and
more details than regular xray exams.
Positron Emission Topography
(PET Scan)
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PET (positron emission tomography) Scan
is a visual display of brain activity that
detects a radioactive form of glucose
(sugar) while the brain performs a given
task.
•Active areas have increased
blood flow
• Sensors detect
radioactivity
• Different tasks show
distinct activity patterns
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
(MRI)
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An MRI is basically a picture
of the brain from many angles
and it provides clear 3D
images
It uses magnetic fields and
radio waves to produce
computer-generated images
that distinguish among
different types of brain tissue.
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The images to the right show
ventricular enlargement in a
schizophrenic patient.
Functional MRI (fMRI)
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Don’t confuse an MRI with a functional MRI
A “functional” MRI enables doctors to see
actual movement and activity in the brain. MRI
just provides detailed pictures of the brain.
The image to the
right shows brain
regions that are
active when a
participant lies.