How we measure the brain and manipulate it

Question 1

What is the different between Functional techniques and anatomical techniques ?

Answer 1

• Anatomical techniques will only produce a static picture of what the brain looks like but Functional techniques looks at flow flow oxygen levels glucose levels and is not static

Question 2

What do these terms mean?
- chemogenetics
- optogenetics

Answer 2

Optogenetics -Transgenic technique that combines genetics and light to excite or inhibit targeted cells in living tissue.

chemogenetics -Transgenic technique that combines genetics and synthetic drugs to activate targeted cells in living tissue.

Question 3

A problem with brain lesions is that sometimes it is hard to access sub-cotical areas what apparatus could we use to divert this problem?

Answer 3

• Stereotaxic apparatus
  It helps target specific areas of the brain

Question 4

What does the term Magnetoencephalography mean?

Answer 4

Magnetoencephalography - Neuronal activity , by generating an electric field , also produces a magnetic field , magnetic potentials are recorded from receptors placed outside the skull and created a 3 dimensional localisation of the cell groups , better resolution than ERPs

Question 5

What potentials do EEGs measure ?

Answer 5

• Graded potenetials

Question 6

What is the difference between the two main types of brian stimulation
- Deep brain stimulation
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation

Answer 6

DBS -Neurosurgery in which electrodes implanted in the brain stimulate a targeted area with a low-voltage electrical current to produce or facilitate behaviour

TMS -Procedure in which a magnetic coil is placed over the skull to stimulate the underlying brain; used either to induce behaviour or to disrupt ongoing behaviour.

Question 7

What does the chemical technique of Microdialysis actually measure?

Answer 7

• ECF
  And the chemical components of it

Question 8

Describe the process of Cerebral voltammetry?

Answer 8

• Technique used the concentration of specific chemicals in the brain
• This is where a small carbon fibre electrode and metal rod are placed in the brain and a weak current is passed through the metal electrode
• Because of the different currents leading to changes in different compounds, it is possible to identify levels of different transmitters such as serotonin and dopamine