methods of investigating brain function Flashcards
describe an electroecephalograph (EEG)
special sensors called electrodes, are attached to the scalp and is hooked by wires to a computor, where it records electrical activity as wavy lines during mental tasks.
when is an EEG used
used when we want to investugate the whole brain rather than it’s parts
what are the advantages of an EEG
- records brain activity in real time
- non invasive
- cheap and fast
what are he disadvantages of an EEG
- poor/week spatial awarness
- difficult to find which part of the brain is emitting signals
- can be messy because of conductive gel
define structural imaging
neuroimaging techniques that produces scans showing the brain structure
define functional imaging
neuroimaging techniques that display brain function in real time
describe a CT scan
It is a type of x ray that envolves a series of narrow beams through the head, it produces a 2 dimensional, cross sectional image
what is an CT scan used for
it aids the detection of tumours, broken bones or other structural abnormalities
advantages of a CT scan
- safe and cost effective
- helps determine how to operate
- highly deatiled images
disadvantage of A CT scan
- invasive ( radioactive )
- does not provide information about brain activity
- images are in black and white
describe an MRI
uses a string magentic field and radiofrequency pulse to generate an image of the brain. This resullts in a computor enhanced, 3D picture of the brain, from which a 2D can be selected and displayed, rotated and enlarged.
what is an MRI used for
enables the detction of tumours and abnormailities
what are the advantages of MRI’s
- images produced are more detailed than a CT scan
- non-invasive
- no radiation used
what are the disadvantages of MRI’s
- shows structure but not function
- not safe for patients with metal implants
Describe an FMRI
used to measure activity in the brain when neurons are consuming oxygen - mesuring brain function
