3.3 Methods to Perturb Neural Function

Question 1

Agonist drug

Answer 1

Those that have a similiarstructure to a neurotransmitter and mimic its action

Question 2

Antagonist drug

Answer 2

those that bind to receptors and block or dampen neurotransmitters

Question 3

anterior cingulate cortex (ACC)

Answer 3

a part of the prefontal cortex, is important for evaluating the cost versus benefits of performing an action

Question 4

deep brain stimulation (DBS)

Answer 4

a procedure in which surgeons implant electrodes in specific brain regions for an extended period to modulate neuronal activity.

Question 5

Optogenetics

Answer 5

Optogenetics is a biological technique to control the activity of neurons or other cell types with light. This is achieved by expression of light-sensitive ion channels, pumps or enzymes specifically in the target cells.

Question 6

transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)

Answer 6

form of brain stimulation in which a changing magnetic field is used to induce an electric current at a specific area of the brain through electromagnetic induction. An electric pulse generator, or stimulator, is connected to a magnetic coil connected to the scalp. The stimulator generates a changing electric current within the coil which creates a varying magnetic field, inducing a current within a region in the brain itself

Question 7

transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)

Answer 7

is a brain stimulation procedure that delivers a constant, low current to the brain via electrodes placed on the scalp. A current is send between an anode and a cathode. The neurons under the anode become depolarized, they achieve an elevated state of excitability, making them more likely to initiate an action potential when a stimulus or movement occurs. The transcranial direct current stimulation procedures changes in a wide range of sensory, motor and cognitive tasks.

Question 8

transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS)

Answer 8

is a newer procedure in which the electrical current oscillates rather than remaining constant as in tDCS. The experimenter controls the rate of tACS oscillation, providing another tool to modulate brain function. The direction and the duration of the tACS-induced effects can vary with the frequency, intensity and phase of the stimulation.

Question 9

transcranial static magnetic stimulation (tSMS)

Answer 9

uses strong magnets to create magnetic fields that, as with TMS, perturb electrical activity and thus temporarily alter cortical function.

Question 10

transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS)

Answer 10

This signal increases the activity of voltage-gated sodium and calcium channels, thus triggering action potentials.