Chapter 7

Question 1

What is the neuronal code?

Answer 1

Neurons exhibit different firing patterns in different species, as well as in different circumstances and during different behaviors

Neurons respond to only one type of sensory event or behavior
Nearby neurons have different repertories, suggesting interaction
Well-learned behavior = few neurons
Newly learned behavior = widespread neuronal activity

Question 2

What is an EEG?

Answer 2

EEG records electrical potentials or “brain waves” in the brain

Question 3

What is DBS?

Answer 3

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)

Electrodes implanted in the brain to stimulate the tissue

Question 4

What is a CT scan?

Answer 4

Passes narrow X-ray beams through the brain at different angles to create many images; then combines the images to create a 3-D image of the brain

Bone shows white; fluid shows darker
CT scan cannot discriminate between gray and white matter

Question 5

What is dynamic brain imaging?

Answer 5

Look at the brain without dangerous or unpleasant procedures

Can measure changes in blood flow and oxygen in the brain to infer brain activity

Question 6

What is a PET scan?

Answer 6

Radioactive molecules injected or inhaled
Molecules release particles, detected by the PET camera
Computer reconstructs variations in the density of the flow of particles
Produces an image representing areas of high and low blood flow

Question 7

What is an MRI?

Answer 7

Uses a large magnet and a specific radiofrequency pulse to generate a brain signal that produces an image

Question 8

What is an fMRI?

Answer 8

As neurons become active, they increase their use of oxygen and increase blood flow to the area

Question 9

What is an x-ray?

Answer 9

Quick static snapshot