Neuroscience Methods

Question 1

What are the following methods that study the human nervous system?

Answer 1

• Computed Tomography (CT)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI and fMRI)
• Position Emission Tomography (PET)
• Transcranial Magnetic Brain Stimulation (TMS)
• Electromyography (EMG)

Question 2

What is the function of a CT?

Answer 2

• Involves x-ray beam and digital x-ray sensory within scanner
• 2D or 3D images of brain and nervous system.

Question 3

What is the function of a MRI

Answer 3

• Involves strong magnetic fields and radio waves.
• 2D or 3D images.
• Preferred imaging method in clinical/research settings.

Question 4

What is the function of a Functional MRI (fMRI)?

Answer 4

• Involves strong magnetic field and radio waves
• Creates moving images
  1) Blood-oxygen level
  2) Diffusion tensor imaging
  3) Magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Question 5

What is function of a Positron Emission Tomography (PET)?

Answer 5

Injects a positron-emitting radionuclide to produce 3D images of functional processes in body.

Question 6

What is function of Transcranial Magnetic Brain Stimulation?

Answer 6

• Generates artificial movement commands/action potential for brief muscle contraction
• Investigates pathway for motor cortex to muscle

Question 7

What is the function of electromyography?

Answer 7

• Measures how people perform a movement

- Record muscle activity from surface of skin or inside muscle