Studying the Brain- Week Two Flashcards
Why do we study the brain?
To better understand neurological disorders, psychological processes and develop healthcare interventions
Structural MRI
Uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to produce an image based on Hydrogen ions in the brain.
How do Hydrogen ions show images in Structural MRI
When all the hydrogen ions are aligned under the electromagnetic waves, the radio waves disturb them and the energy levels are recorded
What can Structural MRI predict?
Can predict which functions may have been damaged in stroke etc
What is a major benefit to Structural MRI?
All patients are alive
Why are Functional MRI more favourable to psychologists?
Measures task related changes to blood flow in the brain
How do Functional MRI measure changes in blood flow?
By calculating the BOLD response from oxygen debt and replacement
What is a negative to Functional MRI
The BOLD response takes several seconds to complete so is an indirect measure
What does ECoG measure?
Activity directly from the brain directly from the surface by the placement of small electrodes
What is a positive of ECoG?
It gives direct recordings with no time delay
What is a negative of ECoG?
Only carried out on clinical p’s with epilepsy as risk of infection can be fatal
How does EEG measure brain activity
Activity directly from the brain directly from the surface by the placement of small electrodes
What can EEG be used for?
To understand cognitive processes, from the differences in altitude and frequency of waves
Strengths and weaknesses of EEG?
+ excellent temporal resolution
+ measures working brain
- not evidence on structure
- poor spatial information due to insulating tissue
How does MEG measure brain activity?
By measuring tiny magnetic fields created by neural activity in the brain
