3.2.3.Brain scan research methods

Question 1

What are the three brain scan’

Answer 1

PET Scans,fMRI scan and CAT scan

Question 2

What is an fMRI and how does it work

Answer 2

Functional magnetic resonance imaging - head is placed in a electromagnet, the nuclei of the hydrogen molecules within the water the water align themselves with the direction of the magnetic fields. When haemoglobin has oxygen, it repels magnetic fields. When it is deoxygenated, it follows the direction of magnetic fields. These changes produce an image.

Question 3

CAT scan

Answer 3

gamma rays are sent through your head from different angles, it produces clear image of brain structure
weakness-it does not show how the brain is functioning

Question 4

PET scan

Answer 4

Person is injected with fleurodeoxyglucose and then because of this, the radioactive atom attaches to the brain where the glucose is, glucose is used up and then radioactive atom breaks down emitting positrons. This shows different concentrations of gamma rays (different level of brain activity).