Scans and Neurons

Question 1

EEG

Answer 1

electroencephalograph
Electrical activity is measured using scalp electrodes

Excellent temporal resolution (Msec)

Poor spatial resolution

Used for sleep research

It can tell you quick quickly what’s going on but doesn’t give you precise location of where parts of the brains that’s highly active

Question 2

CT

Answer 2

Computed Tomography
X-rays used to construct 3D images

Risk of exposure to radiation, but if used moderately it shouldn’t have long term issues

Question 3

fMRI

Answer 3

Functional MRI
Measures oxygen consumption in brain areas

Takes a considerable amount of time

You can see how a person’s brain activity changes if you do the scan while they read something or recite something

Question 4

PET

Answer 4

Positron emission tomography

Measures consumption of glucose (or sugar) by neurons in the brain (more glucose=more activity by neurons in a brain area)

If its consuming more then its more active and that’s how its detected

Question 5

DBS

Answer 5

Deep brain stimulation
Modify brain function via implanted electrodes

Potential treatment for disorders (E.G. Depression)

Implant wires right into the brain connected to a battery pack in your chest that lasts for 5 years to figure out what part, it is used to interrupt any sort of abnormal brain communication.

Used for OCD and Depression and Parkinsons

Question 6

TMS

Answer 6

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

It can increase or impair and slow down brain activity

Used in patients with severe depression

Strong and changing magnetic fields applied to the skull that can chance or interrupt brain function

Relieves symptoms of mood disorders

Question 7

Neurons

Answer 7

Brain cells that communicate with each other

Approx. 86 Billion in the human brain

Question 8

Soma

Answer 8

Cell Body

maintains a life of the cell

Question 9

Dendrites

Answer 9

Receives information

Question 10

Axons

Answer 10

sends information

Question 11

Synapse

Answer 11

Neurotransmitters travel through this space when released by the synaptic vestals

Question 12

Glial Cells

Answer 12

Provides structural support, protection, waste removal, and nutrients for neurons.

Question 13

Astrocytes

Answer 13

star-shaped type of glial cell found in the blood-drain barrier that helps with neuronal transmission.

Question 14

Action Potential

Answer 14

electrochemical impulse triggered by a threshold of excitation

The action potential travels in on direction down the axel

Question 15

Broca’s Area

Answer 15

Part of the frontal lobe that helps to control speech