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2.7 Tools for Examining Brain Structure and Function

3 min readdecember 19, 2022

Megan Revello

Megan Revello

Dalia Savy

Dalia Savy

Megan Revello

Megan Revello

Dalia Savy

Dalia Savy

Vocabulary

  • Electroencephalogram (EEG)

  • MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)

  • fMRI (functional MRI)

Let's Recall!

Case Studies

Do you remember what a case study is from unit 1? Let's go over it once more!

A case-study is an in-depth study of an individual or a small group. Usually, are done on people with rare circumstances.

A case-study was done on , who had an iron pole penetrated through his skull and brain🧠 No one else ever had this issue/injury, but scientists did an in-depth study on him to advance their understanding of brain function.

Split-Brain

could also be done on patients. In the past, a surgery may have been done to eliminate seizures in which doctors would severe the (which connects the two brain hemispheres).

Doing on patients helped scientists gain a deeper understanding of how the brain works and what each part of the brain is responsible for. Interestingly enough, they found out that each hand✋ could be drawing a completely different image at the same time without messing up. It's really cool to see this happen!

was one of the brain neuroscientists that advanced research with patients. He was able to gain insight about each hemisphere of the brain:

  • - Controls right hand, spoken language, written language✍, mathematical and logical thought processes, analysis, and reading📚

  • - Controls left hand, nonverbal (visual) perception. Is responsible for musical🎵 and artistic processing🎨 and emotional thought

    • Think: Left Deep Thinking, Right Creative Mind

Examining Brain Structures and Function

Advancements in technology have allowed psychologists to study the brain in new and exciting ways. Lesioning may be used in circumstances to destroy certain, selective, parts of the brain in order to reduce a behavior. We can also stimulate areas of the brain to generate a response. For example, I could electrically stimulate your to make you raise your hand✋

Electroencephalograms (EEGs) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans are both ways in which we can see the activity of the brain. EEGs measure and record brain waves in various states, such as dreaming and sleeping, to study cognition. PETs use glucose to monitor which parts of the brain light up when patients are given various tasks and produces color graphics. Using PETs, you could visualize changes in the brain as it functions. This is because when a neuron is active, blood flow in increased and more glucose and oxygen is brought into the brain. When using PET, radioactively tagged glucose is injected into the bloodstream, and this is detected through a PET scanner. It then shows where the glucose is going when and at which instants.

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-kOlh1txCofcA.gif?alt=media&token=b6589ce8-99ef-43a8-b608-4f1e139fb20c

Image Courtesy of Springerlink

Computer Tomography (CT) scans and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) create visual images of the structure of the brain. CT scans use a variety of X-ray photographs to create the image of a two-dimensional slice. MRIs use various magnetic fields and radio waves to create an image of the brain’s soft tissue.

fMRIs are unique in that they can show us both the physical structure of the brain as well as activity and function.  This has allowed us to gain more insight into which parts of the brain are responsible for specific tasks and abilities.

Summary:

TechnologyUsesBenefitsLimitations
CT (CAT)Two-dimensional image of brain using X-raysShows structure of brain and any damagesDoes not show function of brain
PETRadioactive glucose tracked down to show metabolism by the brainRecords brain activityLess precise than fMRI and exposure to radiation
EEGElectrodes placed on head and graphical image is producedUseful with sleep and epilepsy researchNo structure or function of brain
fMRIMeasures change in blood flow and creates 3D imageMore precise than PET scan with functional picture of brainBrain areas activate for different reasons but unable to detect this

🎥Watch: AP Psychology - Tools of Discovery for the Brain

Key Terms to Review (17)

Case Studies

: Case studies are detailed investigations into one individual or small group. These studies provide rich qualitative data and can offer insights into unique situations that may not be captured in larger-scale research methods.

Computer Tomography (CT) scans

: CT scans are imaging procedures that use special x-ray equipment to create detailed pictures, or scans, of areas inside the body.

Corpus Callosum

: A large band of neural fibers connecting two hemispheres of brain allowing them to communicate with each other.

CT (Computed Tomography) Scan

: An imaging procedure that uses special x-ray equipment to create detailed pictures, or scans, of areas inside the body; also referred to as computerized tomography or computerized axial tomography (CAT).

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

: An EEG is a test that detects electrical activity in your brain using small, metal discs (electrodes) attached to your scalp.

fMRI (Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

: A neuroimaging procedure using MRI technology that measures brain activity by detecting changes associated with blood flow.

Glucose Metabolism

: Glucose metabolism refers to the process by which our bodies break down sugars for energy. The glucose we consume in food gets converted into energy needed for bodily functions through this metabolic process.

Left Hemisphere

: The left hemisphere of the brain controls the right side of the body and is typically more involved in tasks involving logic, language, and analytical thinking.

Lesion

: A lesion in psychology refers to any abnormal damage or change in the tissue of an organism, often caused by disease or trauma. In neuroscience, it's used to describe a specific area of the brain that has been damaged.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

: MRI is a type of imaging technology that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the organs and tissues within the body.

Motor Cortex

: The motor cortex is part of the cerebral cortex involved in planning, control, and execution of voluntary movements.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

: An imaging technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce high-quality images of the body's internal structures, particularly soft tissues.

PET (positron emission tomography) scan

: A PET scan is a type of imaging test that helps reveal how your tissues and organs are functioning by using a radioactive drug to show activity.

Phineas Gage

: Phineas Gage was a railroad construction foreman who survived a severe brain injury in the mid-19th century. His case is often studied in psychology because of the dramatic personality changes he experienced after his accident, which provided early evidence for the role of the frontal lobes in personality and behavior.

Right Hemisphere

: The right hemisphere of the brain is one half of the two symmetrical parts of the brain, responsible for controlling the left side of the body and processing tasks related to creativity, spatial ability, artistic and musical skills.

Roger Sperry

: Roger Sperry was a neuropsychologist and neurobiologist who won a Nobel Prize for his work on split-brain research, demonstrating that the left and right hemispheres have different functions.

Split-Brain

: A term used when the corpus callosum connecting the two hemispheres of the brain is severed to some degree. This condition results in those hemispheres not being able to communicate as effectively.

2.7 Tools for Examining Brain Structure and Function

3 min readdecember 19, 2022

Megan Revello

Megan Revello

Dalia Savy

Dalia Savy

Megan Revello

Megan Revello

Dalia Savy

Dalia Savy

Vocabulary

  • Electroencephalogram (EEG)

  • MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)

  • fMRI (functional MRI)

Let's Recall!

Case Studies

Do you remember what a case study is from unit 1? Let's go over it once more!

A case-study is an in-depth study of an individual or a small group. Usually, are done on people with rare circumstances.

A case-study was done on , who had an iron pole penetrated through his skull and brain🧠 No one else ever had this issue/injury, but scientists did an in-depth study on him to advance their understanding of brain function.

Split-Brain

could also be done on patients. In the past, a surgery may have been done to eliminate seizures in which doctors would severe the (which connects the two brain hemispheres).

Doing on patients helped scientists gain a deeper understanding of how the brain works and what each part of the brain is responsible for. Interestingly enough, they found out that each hand✋ could be drawing a completely different image at the same time without messing up. It's really cool to see this happen!

was one of the brain neuroscientists that advanced research with patients. He was able to gain insight about each hemisphere of the brain:

  • - Controls right hand, spoken language, written language✍, mathematical and logical thought processes, analysis, and reading📚

  • - Controls left hand, nonverbal (visual) perception. Is responsible for musical🎵 and artistic processing🎨 and emotional thought

    • Think: Left Deep Thinking, Right Creative Mind

Examining Brain Structures and Function

Advancements in technology have allowed psychologists to study the brain in new and exciting ways. Lesioning may be used in circumstances to destroy certain, selective, parts of the brain in order to reduce a behavior. We can also stimulate areas of the brain to generate a response. For example, I could electrically stimulate your to make you raise your hand✋

Electroencephalograms (EEGs) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans are both ways in which we can see the activity of the brain. EEGs measure and record brain waves in various states, such as dreaming and sleeping, to study cognition. PETs use glucose to monitor which parts of the brain light up when patients are given various tasks and produces color graphics. Using PETs, you could visualize changes in the brain as it functions. This is because when a neuron is active, blood flow in increased and more glucose and oxygen is brought into the brain. When using PET, radioactively tagged glucose is injected into the bloodstream, and this is detected through a PET scanner. It then shows where the glucose is going when and at which instants.

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-kOlh1txCofcA.gif?alt=media&token=b6589ce8-99ef-43a8-b608-4f1e139fb20c

Image Courtesy of Springerlink

Computer Tomography (CT) scans and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) create visual images of the structure of the brain. CT scans use a variety of X-ray photographs to create the image of a two-dimensional slice. MRIs use various magnetic fields and radio waves to create an image of the brain’s soft tissue.

fMRIs are unique in that they can show us both the physical structure of the brain as well as activity and function.  This has allowed us to gain more insight into which parts of the brain are responsible for specific tasks and abilities.

Summary:

TechnologyUsesBenefitsLimitations
CT (CAT)Two-dimensional image of brain using X-raysShows structure of brain and any damagesDoes not show function of brain
PETRadioactive glucose tracked down to show metabolism by the brainRecords brain activityLess precise than fMRI and exposure to radiation
EEGElectrodes placed on head and graphical image is producedUseful with sleep and epilepsy researchNo structure or function of brain
fMRIMeasures change in blood flow and creates 3D imageMore precise than PET scan with functional picture of brainBrain areas activate for different reasons but unable to detect this

🎥Watch: AP Psychology - Tools of Discovery for the Brain

Key Terms to Review (17)

Case Studies

: Case studies are detailed investigations into one individual or small group. These studies provide rich qualitative data and can offer insights into unique situations that may not be captured in larger-scale research methods.

Computer Tomography (CT) scans

: CT scans are imaging procedures that use special x-ray equipment to create detailed pictures, or scans, of areas inside the body.

Corpus Callosum

: A large band of neural fibers connecting two hemispheres of brain allowing them to communicate with each other.

CT (Computed Tomography) Scan

: An imaging procedure that uses special x-ray equipment to create detailed pictures, or scans, of areas inside the body; also referred to as computerized tomography or computerized axial tomography (CAT).

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

: An EEG is a test that detects electrical activity in your brain using small, metal discs (electrodes) attached to your scalp.

fMRI (Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

: A neuroimaging procedure using MRI technology that measures brain activity by detecting changes associated with blood flow.

Glucose Metabolism

: Glucose metabolism refers to the process by which our bodies break down sugars for energy. The glucose we consume in food gets converted into energy needed for bodily functions through this metabolic process.

Left Hemisphere

: The left hemisphere of the brain controls the right side of the body and is typically more involved in tasks involving logic, language, and analytical thinking.

Lesion

: A lesion in psychology refers to any abnormal damage or change in the tissue of an organism, often caused by disease or trauma. In neuroscience, it's used to describe a specific area of the brain that has been damaged.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

: MRI is a type of imaging technology that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the organs and tissues within the body.

Motor Cortex

: The motor cortex is part of the cerebral cortex involved in planning, control, and execution of voluntary movements.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

: An imaging technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce high-quality images of the body's internal structures, particularly soft tissues.

PET (positron emission tomography) scan

: A PET scan is a type of imaging test that helps reveal how your tissues and organs are functioning by using a radioactive drug to show activity.

Phineas Gage

: Phineas Gage was a railroad construction foreman who survived a severe brain injury in the mid-19th century. His case is often studied in psychology because of the dramatic personality changes he experienced after his accident, which provided early evidence for the role of the frontal lobes in personality and behavior.

Right Hemisphere

: The right hemisphere of the brain is one half of the two symmetrical parts of the brain, responsible for controlling the left side of the body and processing tasks related to creativity, spatial ability, artistic and musical skills.

Roger Sperry

: Roger Sperry was a neuropsychologist and neurobiologist who won a Nobel Prize for his work on split-brain research, demonstrating that the left and right hemispheres have different functions.

Split-Brain

: A term used when the corpus callosum connecting the two hemispheres of the brain is severed to some degree. This condition results in those hemispheres not being able to communicate as effectively.


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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.