neuro: methods of studying the NS Flashcards
what are the 5 non invasive methods?
CT scans MRI PET fMRI EEG
describe CT scans in key words
X rays structure contrast agent absorbed rotate to produce series of X-rays reveal structural abnormalities (lesions + vascular damage indicate location of tumours)
describe MRI scans using key words
structure
strong magnetic field
high resolution images produced
form radio frequency waves that H+ ions emit when they align with magnetic field
protons release magnetic resonance energy
describe fMRI using key words
O2 increase in the blood to active areas of the brain
more oxygenated blood
functional activity
signal = BOLD signal (blood oxygen level dependent)
describe PET using key words
functional
positron emission tomography
radioactive dye injected into carotid artery
similar to glucose but doesn’t get metabolised
taken up by active cells
builds up in neurons
shows areas of brain activity from levels of radioactivity
colour coded
describe EEG
net of electrodes placed on scalp
records electrical activity
current of ions flowing across cell provides potential current
shows activity of APs, postsynaptic potentials etc = the sum of all the electrical events
what are ERPs?
event related potentials
EEG waves that accompany certain physiological events
what are the advantages of MRIs?
provides clearer images of brain than CT
higher spatial resolution (where)
no ionising exposure of X-rays
provides horizontal, sagittal and frontal planes
what are the disadvantages of MRIs?
expensive
no metal allowed
noisier
what are the 4 advantages that fMRI has over PET?
fMRI = O2 levels/bold signal
PET = injected dye like glucose
nothing has to be injected into person
provides structural and functional info in same image
better spatial resolution (where)
produces 3D images of activity over entire brain
what is a disadvantage of fMRI?
poor temporal resolution (when) → timing of neural events
what are the pros and cons of EEGs?
high temporal resolution (when) but poor spatial resolution (where) → can’t localise as recordings made on the scalp
less expensive than fMRI
direct reflection of neuronal activity
what is the difference between spatial and temporal resolution?
spatial = where temporal = when
what are the different invasive methods of studying NS function in animals?
intracellular recordings (electrophysiological technique)
extracellular recordings (electrophysiological technique)
electrical stimulation
optogenetic stimulation
micro dialysis (neuropharmacological technique)
immunohistochemistry (neuropharmalogical technique)
chemical lesions (disruptive technique)
records individual neurons as they fire, measures the changes in the membrane potential of a neuron over time, microelectrode positioned directly into neuron.
what method is this and is it invasive or non invasive?
intracellular recording
invasive