Neuroimaging Flashcards
What is temporal resolution in neuroimaging?
refers to the ability of a technique to accurately measure changes in brain activity over time.
It is the smallest amount of time that can be reliably distinguished between two events or changes in neural activity.
A technique with high temporal resolution can detect changes in neural activity that occur very quickly, in milliseconds or even microseconds.
For example, electroencephalography (EEG) has a very high temporal resolution because it can measure electrical signals in the brain with millisecond precision
What is spatial resolution?
the ability of a technique to accurately localize the source of neural activity in the brain.
Shows the structure of the brain
It is the smallest feature or structure that can be resolved by the technique, usually measured in millimeters or even micrometers.
For example, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has a high spatial resolution and can provide detailed images of the brain’s anatomical structures with a resolution of around 1 millimeter or less.
What is Single-unit electrophysiology?
This technique involves inserting a microelectrode into a single neuron in the brain to measure its electrical activity.
By recording the firing patterns of individual neurons, researchers can study the neural code and how information is processed in the brain.
This technique is mainly used in animal studies and is invasive.
Pros: High spatial and temporal resolution, can measure individual neurons.
Cons: Invasive, limited to animal studies, can only measure a small number of neurons at a time.
What is Optogenetics?
uses genetic engineering techniques to insert light-sensitive proteins into neurons, allowing researchers to control the activity of specific neurons with light.
This technique is used to investigate the causal role of specific neurons in behavior and cognition.
Pros: Allows precise control over the activity of specific neurons, and can be used in animal studies.
Cons: Invasive (requires genetic engineering), limited to animal studies, can only control a limited number of neurons at a time.
What is Electroencephalography (EEG)?
EEG involves placing electrodes on the scalp to measure the electrical activity produced by large populations of neurons in the brain.
This technique is used to study brain activity in response to different stimuli or during different tasks.
Pros: Noninvasive, high temporal resolution, can be used in human studies.
Cons: Limited spatial resolution, can only measure activity from the outer layer of the brain.
What is Magnetoencephalography (MEG)?
MEG measures the magnetic fields produced by electrical activity in the brain using a sensitive detector called a SQUID.
This technique is used to study brain activity with high temporal resolution.
Pros: Noninvasive, high temporal resolution, can be used in human studies.
Cons: Limited spatial resolution, expensive equipment.
What is Magnetoencephalography (MEG)?
Magnetoencephalography (MEG): MEG measures the magnetic fields produced by electrical activity in the brain using a sensitive detector called a SQUID.
This technique is used to study brain activity with high temporal resolution.
Pros: Noninvasive, high temporal resolution, can be used in human studies.
Cons: Limited spatial resolution, expensive equipment.
What is Electrocorticography (ECoG)?
ECoG involves placing electrodes on the surface of the brain to measure the electrical activity of large populations of neurons.
This technique is used to study brain activity with high spatial and temporal resolution.
Pros: High spatial and temporal resolution, can be used in human studies.
Cons: Invasive, limited to patients undergoing neurosurgery.
What is Structural MRI?
Structural MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the brain’s anatomical structures.
This technique is used to study brain anatomy and the effects of neurological disorders or injuries.
Pros: Noninvasive, high spatial resolution, can be used in human studies.
Cons: Limited temporal resolution, cannot measure brain function directly.
What is Positron Emission Tomography (PET)?
allows physicians to visualize the functioning of organs and tissues inside the body.
PET scans provide information about the metabolic activity of cells and can help in the diagnosis and monitoring of various conditions, including cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders.
PET scans primarily provide spatial information rather than temporal information.
Pros of PET Scans:
Detailed Functional Information, Early Disease Detection
Comprehensive Imaging
