Methods of Cognitive Neuroscience Flashcards
What is Gross Neuroanatomy?
It is one of the oldest methods that was used post-mortem (after death). The method is also know as dissection of the brain, where u do a autopsy of the brain by manual slicing it or dissection it in various ways.
What dose gross neuroanatomy reveal?
Macroanatomy of the brain (main structures and connections)
Reveals large, conspicuous brain pathology.
Vesalius and descartes used the gross neuroanatomy method? - True or false?
True, it was the only method available at the time.
What is requiered to use in the fine neuroanatomy?
It requiers a microscope.
A sample of tissue has to be prepared for microscopic viewing, what are some things that can be done to prepar a sample?
-Tracer stains: (to living tissue before sacrifice or sampling, to make
connections visible)
-Fixation: (to make sample more solid and easy to
-Staining methods: (to make single neurons
-Microtome: cutting extremely thin slices
What are another way to explain “Cellular architecture of the cortex”
Brodmann areas
Side Note:
Brodmann’s areas of the cortex refer to 52 regions of the cerebral cortex that were identified in 1909 by German Neurologist, Korbinian Brodmann, based on cytoarchitectonic (cell size, spacing or packing density, and lamination) differences.
Brodmann published his maps of cortical areas in humans, monkeys, and other species in 1909 - True or false?
True, Brodmann areas were originally defined and numbered by the German anatomist Korbinian Brodmann based on the cytoarchitectural organization of neurons he observed in the cerebral cortex using the Nissl method of cell staining.
Describe what connectomics is?
Mapping of the “connectome, the “wiring diagram” of the brain.
What is a singel-cell recording and what does it do?
It a traditional method in neurophysiology, used to monitor the spontaneous electrical activity of neurons.
Single-Cell Recording is a technique used in research to observe changes in voltage or current in a neuron. In this technique an animal, usually anesthetized, has a microelectrode inserted into its skull and into a neuron in the area of the brain that is of interest.
Name the methods for Structural Brain Imaging?
- CT, CAT
- MRI
Name the methods for Functional Brain Imaging?
- PET
- fMRI
Name the methods for Electromagnetic Brain Sensing?
- EEG Electroencephalography
- MEG magnetoencephalography
Name the methods for Electromagnetic Brain Stimulation?
- TMS, tACs, tDCs
- direct
What does CT and CAT stand for and how does the method work?
A computerized tomography (CT) or computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan combines data from several X-rays to produce a detailed image of structures inside the body.
What is a MRI?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a method used for studying the functions of the brain (or any living tissue) without surgery. Images are obtained by using a strong magnetic field.
How it works:
MRIs employ powerful magnets which produce a strong magnetic field that forces protons in the body to align with that field. When a radiofrequency current is then pulsed through the patient, the protons are stimulated, and spin out of equilibrium, straining against the pull of the magnetic field. When the radiofrequency field is turned off, the MRI sensors are able to detect the energy released as the protons realign with the magnetic field.
Signal:
Frequency = Location
Intensity = Type of tissue
EXTRA:
This technology has improved medical diagnoses and research methods. For example, with a MRI, a psychologist can observe different structures in the brain by having a subject perform certain exercises or tasks.