PS1: methods used to study the brain

Question 1

computerized tomography (CT) scan

Answer 1

Formed by composing several X-ray images together. After a patient is placed into a CT scanner, multiple X-ray images are taken from multiple angles. These images can be stitched together to form a rough three-dimensional image of the inside of the patient’s body. CT lacks the ability to resolve fine detail and accurately model the soft tissues of the brain.

Question 2

positron emission tomography (PET) scan

Answer 2

Imaging setup same as CT, but patient is injected with radioactive tracer. The radioactive tracer releases gamma rays with high energy that can be detected by specialized cameras.

Question 3

(functional) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Answer 3

High-resolution images of both soft and hard tissues within the body. Highly powerful electromagnets create magnetic fields around the body, which interact with the nuclei of atoms within the body. The energy released by these interactions can be detected by a sensor, which creates highly detailed images in nearly real-time.

Question 4

electroencephalogram (EEG)

Answer 4

Used to study electrical activity of the brain.