neuroimaging - L3

Question 1

computerised tomography (CT)

Answer 1

neuroimaging technique that produces a computer enhanced image of a cross section from x-rays taken at different angles

locates structural brain abnormalities

Question 2

advantages of CT

Answer 2

provides clear and accurate images

allows for comparison between normal and abnormal brains

relatively non invasive (just an injection called contrast (dye))

Question 3

limitations of CT

Answer 3

only shows brain structure

pregnant woman are not advised because of risk of radiation damage to the unborn child

allergic reactions to contrast dye

Question 4

positron emission tomography (PET)

Answer 4

a neuroimaging technique that uses a scanning device to take coloured images of the brain, showing its functional activity and structure by tracking blood flow by measuring the use of glucose by neurons in the active area of the brain

Question 5

advantages of PET

Answer 5

displays detailed, colour coded images of a functioning brain

allows researchers to see how different areas of the brain function together for certain tasks

colours make interpretation simple

Question 6

limitations of PET

Answer 6

requires injection (radioactive glucose= fluorodeoxyglucose)

use of radio activity means that longitudinal studies are difficult and dangerous

scans need 40 seconds rest between each 30 second scan therefore it may miss rapid changes in brain function

Question 7

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Answer 7

a neuroimaging technique that uses magnetic and radio fields to take two and three-dimensional images of the brain

primarily used for identifying structural abnormalities

Question 8

advantages of MRI

Answer 8

produces clearer and more detailed images than a CT scan

non invasive

No xrays or radio activity involved

Question 9

limitations of MRI

Answer 9

only shows structure and anatomy

cannot be used on people with metallic internal devices

Question 10

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)

Answer 10

a neuroimaging technique that uses magnetic and radio fields to take 2D and 3D images of the brain and its activity levels. Detects changes in oxygen levels and blood to show brain function (higher uptake of oxygen indicates greater brain activity)

Question 11

advantages of fMRI

Answer 11

no exposure to radiation

detailed images of brain functioning

structure and function

detects changes in function in rapid succession

Question 12

limitations of fMRI

Answer 12

cannot be used on people with internal metallic devices

expensive and limited access

Question 13

Electroencephalograph (EEG)

Answer 13

detects, amplifies and records general patterns of electrical activity within the brain

electrodes are placed along the scalp

Question 14

advantages of EEG

Answer 14

non invasive

used to study patterns of activity over a long length of time

shows different brain waves for differentiation activity

useful for studying hemispheric specialisation

Question 15

limitations of EEG

Answer 15

doesnt provide detailed information on brain structure

only provides summary of neural activity

Question 16

neuroimaging

Answer 16

a range of techniques used to capture images of the brain’s structure, function and activities