Methods to Study the Brain

The Brain

How do we learn about the brain & its functions?

Tools of discovery1. Clinical observation (case study) -

Phineas Gage

– The Story of Phineas Gage (A Reenactment) – Module 25 of The Brain DVD (12:00)

The BrainTools of discovery

2. Manipulating the brain a. Lesions – purposely destroying a part of

the brain and observing the results. b. Brain Stimulation (Show at :40-:50 sec)

The BrainTools of discovery

3. Electroencephalogram (EEG) – shows the brain’s electrical activity.

The BrainTools of discovery

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

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.

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.

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.

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