Unit 4 - Homeostasis Flashcards

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1
Q

homeostasis

A
  • consists of mechanisms to ensure an ideal/constant internal cellular and biocemical environment
  • ensures proper cellular/systemic function
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2
Q

components of homeostatic mechanisms

A
  1. detector
  2. decision-maker
  3. action(s) center
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3
Q

homeostatic feedback mechanisms

A

negative

  • most common in homeostatic feedback loops
  • alter the result (opposite effect)

positive

  • augments the result (same effect)
  • e.g. during labour, uterine muscle contractions increase in force and frequency, via oxytocin
  • e.g. during lactation, milk is released in increasing frequencies
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4
Q

examples of homeostatic processes

A

thermoregulation

  • ensures a constant internal temperature of 37°C is maintained
  • hypothalamus acts as an “internal thermostat”; detects thermal changes
  • e.g. goosebumps, shiver (thermogenesis), and vasoconstriction when it’s too cold
  • e.g. sweating and vasodilation when it’s too hot

blood glucose regulation

  • pancreas produces insulin to lower glucose levels in our blood (and to increase glycogen levels in the liver), when glucose levels are too low
  • pancreas produces glucagon to increase glucose levels in our blood, by breaking down glycogen (in the liver) into glucose molecules, when glucose levels are too high
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5
Q

urine production

A
  • is a dynamic process; partiality exists
  • composed of 3 main parts:
    1. filtration
    2. re-absorption
    3. secretion
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6
Q

flow of urine in the Bowman’s capture

A

filtration

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7
Q

flow of urine in the proximal tubule

A
  • passive reabsorption of HCO3-, H2O, and K+
  • active reabsorption of NaCl and nutrients (amino acids and glucose)
  • active secretion of H+
  • passive secretion of NH3
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8
Q

flow of urine in the decending limp of the loop of Henle

A

passive reabsorption of H2O

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9
Q

flow of urine in the ascending limp of the loop of Henle

A

passive and active reabsorption of NaCl

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10
Q

flow of urine in the distal tubule

A
  • active reabsorption of NaCl and HCO3-
  • passive reabsorption of H2O
  • active secretion of K+ and H+
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11
Q

flow of urine in the collecting duct

A
  • active secretion of urea, uric acid, and ammonia
  • active reabsorption of NaCl
  • passive reabsorption of H2O
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12
Q

kidney functions

A
  • eliminates osmotic pressure (water balance)
  • eliminates toxic metabolites (e.g. urea, uric acid)
  • produces certain hormones (is an endocrine organ)
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13
Q

the nephron

A

the functional unit of the kidney

major parts of the nephron:
1. Bowman’s capsule
2. proximal tubule
3. descending loop of Henle
4. ascending loop of Henle
5. distal tubule
6. collecting duct

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14
Q

filtrate

A
  • premature urine found in the Bowman’s capsule
  • doesn’t contain red or white blood cells
  • contains H2O, glucose, amino acids, and Na+, Cl-
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15
Q

osmotic pressure

A

is when particles bump against the walls of arteries, veins, etc.; is proportional to the amount of solutes in the blood (solvent)

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16
Q

osmotic pressure regulation

A

When blood osmotic pressure is too high (e.g. sweathing, dehydration)…
1. Osmoreceptors located in the hypothalamus detect changes in osmotic pressure.
2. Cells of the hypothalmus shrink; the nerve message is sent to the pituitary gland.
3. The pituitary gland stores and releases antidiuretic hormone (ADH) into the blood, and then to the kidneys; increasing the permeability of the distal tube and collecting duct, and therefore increasing H2O absorption.
4. There is a behavioural response: the sensation of thirst.
5. Drinking water lowers the osmotic pressure of blood.
6. Increased H2O reabsorption prevents the osmotic pressure of bodily fluids from increasing any further and prevents dehydration.
7. The collecting duct carries urine from the nephrons, to the pelvis of the kidney.

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17
Q

blood pressure regulation

A

When blood pressure/volume is too low (e.g. dehydration, blood loss)…
1. Specialized cells in the juxtaglomerular apparatus of the kidney release renin.
2. Renin converts angiotensinogen (a plasma protein) into angiotensin.
3. Angiotensin causes vasoconstriction of blood vessels.
4. Angiotensin stimulates the release of aldosterone from the adrenal gland. Aldosterone is carried in blood to the kidneys, and acts on the nephrons to increase Na+ and H2O reabsorption.

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18
Q

acid-base buffer system

A

When blood pH is too acidic (excess hydrogen ions), bicarbonate ions are used to buffer the blood (H+ + HCO3- → H2CO3).

When blood pH is too basic (excess hydroxide ions), carbonic acid is used to buffer the blood (OH- + H2CO3 → HCO3- + H2O).

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19
Q

blood pH regulation in respiration

A

When blood pH is too basic, a decreased breathing rate leads to a higher number of hydrogen ions (H2O + CO2→ H2CO3 →H+ + HCO3-).

When blood pH is too acidic, an increased breathing rate leads to more carbon dioxide exhaled, and a reduced number of hydrogen ions (H+ + HCO3- → H2CO3 → H2O + CO2).

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20
Q

blood pH regulation in kidneys

A

When blood pH is too basic
1. HCO3- is reabsorbed.
2. H+ is excreted as needed to maintain the pH of the blood.
3. Excess hydrogen ions are buffered, for example, by ammonia which is produced in tubule cells by the breakdown of amino acids (NH3 + H+ → NH4+).

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21
Q

kidney diseases

A
  • diabetes mellitus
  • diabetes insipidus
  • Bright’s disease
  • kidney stones
  • chronic renal impairment diseases
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22
Q

diabetes mellitus

A
  • caused by inadequate secretion of insulin from β cells of islets of Langerhans in the pancreas
  • without insulin, blood sugar levels rise; excess sugar remains in the nephron (sweet urine)
  • greater osmotic pressure; H2O reabsorption is reduce
  • large volumes of urine voided (dehydration and fatigue)
  • includes type I (congenital), type II (developed during adulthood; 40+ years), and gestational diabetes
  • metformin is commonly used to treat type II and gestational diabetes
  • Banting and Best succesfully isolated insulin and treated a diabetic child
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23
Q

diabetes insipidus

A
  • caused by the destruction of the ADH-producing cells in the hypothalamus, or the destruction of nerve tracts between the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland
  • without ADH to regulate H2O reabsorption, urine output increases dramatically
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24
Q

Bright’s disease

A
  • a.k.a. nephritis
  • isn’t a single disease, but is a broad description of many diseases characterized by inflammation of the nephrons
  • one type of nephritis is “glomeralitis” (inflammation of the glomerulus)
  • proteins and other larger molecules pass into the nephron
  • urine output increased (dehydration; lack of activity)
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25
Q

kidney stones

A
  • caused by the precipitation of mineral solutes (Ca2+) from the blood
  • categorized as either alkaline stones or acid stones
  • delicate tissues are torn as the move toward the bladder; causes excruciating pain
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26
Q

dialysis technology

A
  • restores the proper solute balance for people with inefficient kidneys
  • dialysis is the exchange of substances across a semipermeable membrane
  • operates on the principles of diffusion and blood pressure
  • includes hemodialysis and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis
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27
Q

hemodialysis

A
  • connected to the patient’s circulatory system by a vein
  • blood pumped through various dialysis tubes
  • urea and other wastes are continuously removes, via the continuous flushing of expended dialysis solution
  • the body also receives hormones the kidneys are unable to produce
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28
Q

continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD)

A
  • 2 L of dialysis fluids are pumped into the abdominal cavity
  • wastes diffuse from the plasma into the peritoneum and the dialysis fluid
  • wastes accumulate in the dialysis fluids, and can be drained off and replaced several times a day
  • CAPD allows for greater independence because the process can be done on your own at home
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29
Q

endocrinology

A

the study of hormonal action (e.g. insulin)

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30
Q

hormones

A

chemical messengers that signal other cells, via the circulatory system

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31
Q

exocrinology

A

the study of external secretions (e.g. sweat glands, gastric cells; pepsin)

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32
Q

paracrine signalling

A

involves factors (molecules) that signal adjacent cells

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33
Q

autocrine signalling

A

involves factors (molecules) that signal the same cell (e.g. stem cells partake in differentiation)

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34
Q

how steroid hormones work

A
  1. The hormone diffuses from the cell.
  2. The hormone diffuses into the target cell (steroids are hydrophobic lipids, and therefore pass through the fat-soluble lipid bilayer) and attaches to the cytosolic receptor.
  3. The hormone-receptor complex moves into the nucleus and attaches to DNA.
  4. A gene is activated in the DNA, and protein synthesis is initiated.
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35
Q

how protein hormones work

A
  1. The hormone is released from the cell.
  2. The hormone attaches to a surface receptor on the outside of the cell membrane.
  3. The hormone-receptor complex promotes the formation of cyclic AMP (cAMP), through ATP.
  4. cAMP acts as a messenger to activate enzymes; biochemical pathways are triggered (signal transduction).
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36
Q

chemical signalling

A
  • The endocrine system maintains signals over long distances and for long periods of time (from endocrine cells to target cells, via the bloodstream).
  • The nervous system uses rapid signalling; the neuron releases neurotransmitters (small proteins of 10-20 amino acids) via electrochemical impulses (action potential). The neurotransmitter diffuses across a gap called the synapse to target cells.
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37
Q

endocrine glands

A
  • hypothalamus
  • pituitary gland/hypophysis (includes anterior pituitary (adenohypophysis) and posterior pituitary (neurohypophysis))
  • thyroid
  • parathyroid
  • adrenal gland (includes adrenal medulla and adrenal cortex)
  • pancreas
  • kidneys
  • female ovaries
  • male testes
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38
Q

gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)

A

secreted by the hypothalamus to the anterior pituitary to release FSH and LH to the testes and ovaries

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39
Q

hormones secreted by the anterior pituitary

A
  • growth hormone
  • prolactin
  • FSH
  • LH
  • TSH
  • ACTH
40
Q

human growth hormone (hGH)

A

secreted by the anterior pituitary to most other cells for growth and cell division

41
Q

prolactin (PRL)

A

secreted by the anterior pituitary to mammary glands to stimulate milk production

42
Q

follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

A

secreted by the anterior pituitary to the testes or ovaries

  • in males, it is sent to the testes; stimulating sperm production and releasing inhibin
  • in females, it is sent to the ovaries; stimulating the production of estrogen
43
Q

inhibin

A

secreted by the seminiferous tubules of the testes to the anterior pituitary and the hypothalamus to produce a negative feedback loop that inhibits FSH production (and subsequently sperm production)

44
Q

luteinizing hormone (LH)

A

secreted by the anterior pituitary to the testes or ovaries

  • in males, it is sent to the testes; stimulating testosterone production
  • in females, it is sent to the ovaries; triggering ovulation and stimulating progesterone production
45
Q

thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

A

secreted by the anterior pituitary to stimulate the thyroid gland

46
Q

adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

A

secreted by the anterior pituitary to stimulate the adrenal cortex

47
Q

hormones secreted by the posterior pituitary

A
  • ADH
  • oxytocin
48
Q

antidiuretic hormone (ADH)

A

secreted by the posterior pituitary to the kidneys to promote H2O reabsorption

49
Q

oxytocin

A

secreted by the posterior pituitary to the mammary glands to release human milk, and to the uterus to stimulate uterine muscle contractions

50
Q

hormones secreted by the thyroid

A
  • tyroxine
  • calcitonin
51
Q

tyroxine (T4)

A

secreted by the thyroid and released into the bloodstream to control the rate of metabolism

52
Q

hypothyroidism

A

condition resulting when the thyroid produces extremely low levels of thyroxine

53
Q

hyperthyroidism

A

condition resulting when the thyroid produces extremely high levels of thyroxine

54
Q

goitre

A

enlargement of the thyroid gland that occurs when the thyroid is constantly stimulated by TSH, but is unable to synthesize thyroxine

55
Q

thyroid gland regulation

A
  1. The hypothalamus secretes a releasing hormone that stimulates the anterior pituitary gland.
  2. The anterior pituitary releases TSH into the bloodstream.
  3. TSH targets the thyroid gland.
  4. TSH causes the thyroid to secrete thyroxine into the bloodstream. Thyroxine stimulates increased cellular respiration in target cells throughout the body.
  5. High levels of thyroxine cause negative feedback on the pituitary and hypothalamus, shutting
    down production of TSH.
56
Q

blood calcium regulation

A

When blood Ca2+ too high
1. The thyroid gland secretes calcitonin into the blood.
2. Bones take up Ca2+ from the blood.
3. Blood Ca2+ lowers.

When blood Ca2+ too low
1. The parathyroid gland releases parathyroid hormone (PTH) into the blood.
2. Intestines absorb Ca2+ from the digestive tract.
3. Kidneys reabsorb Ca2+ from kidney tubules.
4. Bones release Ca2+ into the blood.
5. Blood Ca2+ rises.

57
Q

epinephrine and norepinephrine (adrenaline)

A

secreted by the adrenal medulla; stimulate flight-or-flight responses:

  • increase in blood glucose due to glycogen that has been converted into glucose
  • increase in heart rate, breathing rate, and cell metabolism
  • change in blood flow patterns that direct more blood to heart and muscle cells (vasodilation in leg/arm muscles; vasoconstriction in GI tract)
58
Q

mineralocorticoids

A

secreted by the adrenal cortex to promote reabsorption of sodium and water by the kidneys

59
Q

glucocorticoids

A

secreted by the adrenal cortex to raise blood glucose levels via the breakdown of proteins and fats into glucose; there is a subsequent suppression of the inflammatory response of the immune system

60
Q

hormones secreted by the pancreas

A
  • insulin
  • glucagon
61
Q

insulin

A

secreted by the pancreas to lower blood glucose levels and promote the formation of glycogen in the liver

62
Q

glucagon

A

secreted by the pancreas to raise blood glucose levels by converting glycogen in the liver to glucose

63
Q

renin

A

secreted by the kidneys to stimulate the secretion of aldosterone from the adrenal cortex

64
Q

estrogen

A

secreted by the follicles of the ovaries to the rest of the body to stimulate the development of the female reproductive tract and secondary sex characteristics

65
Q

progesterone

A

secreted by the corpus luteum of the ovary to prepare the uterus for the fertilized egg (ovum), and later, by the placenta to maintain pregnancy

66
Q

testosterone

A

secreted by the interstitial cells of the testes to the rest of the body to stimulate the development of the male reproductive tract and secondary sex characteristics

67
Q

andropause

A

a gradual decline in males’ testosterone levels, beginning around 40 years old

68
Q

menopause

A

a period in females’ life, around 50 years old, when a decrease in estrogen and progesterone levels leads to an end of menstrual cycles

69
Q

blood glucose regulation

A

When blood sugar is too high (after a meal)…
1. β-cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas release insulin into the blood.
2. The liver converts glucose to glycogen, and stores it.
3. Body cells become permeable to glucose.
4. Blood glucose levels decrease to a normal level.

When blood sugar is too low (after fasting)…
1. α-cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas release glucagon into the blood.
2. The liver converts glycogen to glucose, and releases it into the blood..
3. Blood glucose levels increase to a normal level.

70
Q

ovarian cycle

A
  1. Developing follicles produce estrogen, and a little progesterone.
  2. The mature follicle releases the ovum at ovulation.
  3. The corpus luteum produces progesterone, and a little estrogen.
  4. The corpus luteum degenerates.
71
Q

menstrual cycle

A
  1. Flow phase (days 1-5): The menstrual (and ovarian cycle) starts with menstruation. The corpus luteum has degenerated, and sex hormone levels are low. The endometrium is also very thin at this time.
  2. Follicular phase (days 6-14): As a new follicle starts to mature, estrogen levels rise enough for the endometrium to start to thicken.
  3. Luteal phase (days 15-28): After ovulation, the release of progesterone in the corpus luteum causes the endometrium to thicken rapidly, almost doubling or tripling in thickness. If fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum degenerates, sex hormone levels start to drop, and menstruation marks the beginning of the cycle once again.
72
Q

divisions of the nervous system

A

The peripheral nervous system consists of the somatic nervous system, involved in conscious (voluntary) actions, and the autonomic nervous system, involved in non-conscious (involuntary) actions.

somatic nervous system:

  • Sensory fibers carry information from the body to the brain (e.g. pressure, pain, temperature, vision).
  • Motor fibers carry information from the brain to the body (e.g. nerve fibers connected to muscles).

autonomic nervous system

  • Sympathetic fibers prepare the body in a state of alertness (e.g. pupil dilation).
  • Parasympathetic fibers prepare the body in a state of relaxation (e.g. increased rate of digestion, pupil constriction).

The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord.

73
Q

motor vs. sensory neurons

A

motor neuron

  • inside the central nervous system
  • transmits impulses from the central nervous system to an effector to help you move and function

sensory neuron

  • inside the peripheral nervous system
  • information is transmitted to the brain to help you touch, taste, smell, and see
74
Q

the reflex arc

A
  1. A stimulus causes action potentials in the sensory receptor.
  2. The message travels along sensory axon.
  3. The message travels along sensory dendrite.
  4. The message reaches interneuron dendrite.
  5. The message splits: one to brain, one to motor neuron dendrite.
  6. The message travels along motor axon.
  7. The message causes muscle to contract.
75
Q

electrochemical impulse

A

signal propagation within a membrane (action potential)

76
Q

action potential

A

the voltage difference across an excited nerve cell membrane (potential difference = voltage)

77
Q

steps of action potential

A
  1. resting potential (polarization): The membrane is polarized (-70mV). The axonal membrane is 50x more permeable to K+ than to Na+ (K+ efflux > Na+ influx). The axoplasm is relatively negative compared to the E.C.F.
  2. depolarization: The Na+ channels open and there is a N+ influx. The axoplasm becomes more positive than the E.C.F.. The membrane is depolarized (+40mV).
  3. repolarization: The K+ channels open and there is a K+ efflux. The axoplasm becomes more negative than the E.C.F.. The membrane is repolarized (-70mV).
  4. refractory period: The sodium-potassium pump actively pumps 3 Na+ out and 2 K+ in.
  5. hyperpolarization: When K+ channels open before Na+ channels. This is an inhibitory impulse (-90mV).
78
Q

threshold level

A

the minimum level of a stimulus necessary to produce a response

79
Q

summation

A

effect produced by the accumulation of two or more neurotransmitters from two or more neurons

80
Q

all-or-none response

A

a nerve or muscle fibre responds completely or not at all to a stimulus (the magnitude of summation doesn’t correlate to the frequency of action potentials)

81
Q

synaptic transmission

A
  1. The impulse reaches synapse from the axon.
  2. The impulse stimulates synaptic vesicles to move to the presynaptic membrane.
  3. The synaptic vesicles dump neurotransmitter substance into the synaptic cleft.
  4. The neurotransmitter substance diffuses across the cleft.
  5. The neurotransmitter substrance fits into the receptor sites on the postsynaptic membrane.
  6. An enzyme cleaves the neurotransmitter substance and clears out the synaptic cleft (e.g. acetylcholinesterase breaks down acetylcholine into acetic acid and choline).
  7. An action potential is stimulated at the postsynaptic membrane and the impulse travels down the dendrite.
82
Q

nerve agents

A
  • substances that block the enzyme that clears out the synaptic cleft; allow for continuous stimulation
  • result in muscle spasms and potentially death
  • e.g. sarin gas
83
Q

meninges

A

protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord

from outermost to innermost:

dura mater

arachnoid mater

pia mater

84
Q

cerebrospinal fluid (C.S.F.)

A

acts both as a shock absorber and a transport medium; provides a connection between neural and endocrine systems

85
Q

olfactory bulb

A

processes sensory information relating to smell

86
Q

cerebrum

A

largest and most highly developed part of the brain

87
Q

cerebral cortex

A

outer lining of the cerebral hemispheres

88
Q

corpus callosum

A

a bundle of nerves that joins the two cerebral hemispheres: the left side (verbal skills), and the right side (spatial awareness)

89
Q

the lobes of the cerebrum

A

frontal lobe

  • largest lobe in the human brain
  • associated with motor control

temporal lobe

  • associated with processing auditory information

parietal lobe

  • associated with processing sensory information

occipital lobe

  • associated with vision and interpreting visual information
90
Q

thalamus

A

processes and interprets sensory information and directs it to the cerebrum

91
Q

cerebellum

A

involved in fine motor control, balance, and smooth muscle contractions (“muscle tone”)

92
Q

pons

A

means “bridge” (pont); acts as a relay station by sending nerve messages to other parts of the brain

93
Q

medulla oblongata

A

joins the spinal cord to the cerebellum; controls autonomic muscle action (e.g. breathing, heart beating)

94
Q

positron-emission tomography (PET)

A
  • water, glucose, or another molecule is labelled with a radioactive isotope and injected into the patient’s bloodstream
  • the radioactive compound goes to the most active parts of the brain and the radiation is detected by a PET camera connected to a computer
  • PET scans are used to evaluate brain disorders, heart problems, and certain cancers
95
Q

magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

A
  • takes advantage of the behaviour of hydrogen atoms in water molecules
  • uses powerful magnets to align the nuclei, and briefly knock them out of alignment with a pulse of radiowaves
  • the hydrogen nuclei spring back into alignment, emitting faint radio signals that are detected by the MRI scanner and the translated into a computer image
  • MRI scans are used to detect problems in the brain and spinal cord (e.g. strokes)
  • functional MRI (fMRI) scans measure brain function rather than brain structure
96
Q

computerized tomography (CT)

A
  • produces 3D images of thin X-ray sections through the body
  • CT scans are used to detect ruptured blood vessels and bone trauma