Methods to Study the Brain

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Methods to Study the Brain
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The Brain
How do we learn about the brain its functions?
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Tools of discovery

• 1. Clinical observation (case study) -

Phineas Gage
The Story of Phineas Gage (An Reenactment)
Module 25 of The Brain DVD (1200)
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The Brain

• Tools of discovery

2. Manipulating the brain a.
Lesions purposely destroying a part of the
brain and observing the results. b.
Brain Stimulation
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The Brain

• Tools of discovery

3. Electroencephalogram (EEG) shows the
brains electrical activity.
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The Brain

• Tools of discovery

• 4. Three Major Imaging Techniques
• CT Scan
• PET Scan
• MRI

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Brain Imaging 3 Types

• Imaging of the human brain allows us to look
  inside the brain without surgical intrusion.
• CT Scan
• CT (computed tomography) scanning is a
  much-improved version of x-ray imaging. A CT scan
  takes a series of cross-sectional photographs,
  which are then put together to form a
  three-dimensional image.

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PETPET (positron emission tomography) scans
reveal the activity of different areas of the
brain by showing consumption of radioactive
glucose (active neurons use more glucose) as the
subject performs various mental activities.
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MRI In MRI (magnetic resonance imaging),
spinning atoms within the brain are aligned in a
strong magnetic field. A brief pulse of radio
waves disorients the aligned atoms, and the
signals released as the atoms realign are
processed to form images.
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Two Types of MRI
Structural MRI Shows structures within the
brain Click below to view an example
Functional MRI Show functioning of different
structures in the brain Click below to view an
example