Chapter 3.3 Flashcards
What are lesion studies?
When a part of the brain is cut/damaged
What are ablation studies?
When an entire part of the brain is removed/missing
What is a stereotaxit instrument?
Instrument used to damage a part of the brain’s interior
How are chemical injections used in research on the brain?
A chemical is injected that kills/temporarily deactivates neurons
Who was Paul Broca?
A neurologist that conducted a classic lesion study where he discovered a specific area of the brain, when damaged, impairs the ability to produce speech and language
What happens in a Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?
Brain activity is stimulated or disrupted by using strong magnets placed over small brain areas
* Stimulation of brain area should increase behavior
What is optogenetics?
Technique that allows researchers to induce activity in targeted neurons using a device that shines a laser within the brain
What are limitations of optogenetics?
- Complex behaviors depend on precisely-timed patterns of activity in multiple areas
- Is invasive and only used on humans when it may have medical benefit
What is an electroencephalogram (EEG)?
Records and amplifies electrical signals so that a computer can analyze activity patterns
What is a limitation and a benefit of an electroencephalogram (EEG)?
- Benefit: Excellent temporal resolution
- Limitation: Poor spatial resolution
What is a coronal plane?
vertical slices (ear to ear)
What is a sagittal plane?
Vertical slices (ear to ear & nose to back)
What is an axial plane?
Horizontal slices
What is a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan?
Magnetic pulse forces water molecules to scatter and realign
* Displays brain structure and detects duration for realignment to occur
* Provides images from only one time
What is a Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) scan?
Uses MRI technology but also tracks oxygenated blood flow over time
