How Scientists Study the Brain Flashcards

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Note: We may include questions that have multiple correct answers. It's useful to remember specific examples to understand these concepts better.

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How can studying people with brain damage help scientists understand the brain?

If a part is damaged and a person loses a skill, that part must help control that skill.

What is meant by electrical stimulation of the brain?

It is when a small electric current is passed into a part of the brain to see what effect it has.

Why might patients be awake when doctors use electrical stimulation during brain surgery?

So doctors can check changes in speech, movement or feelings while they stimulate different areas.

What is a CT scan of the brain?

It is a brain scan that uses X‑rays to build detailed cross‑section images of the brain.

What type of information does a CT brain scan give?

It shows the structure of the brain, such as bleeding or tumours, but not which parts are active.

What is a PET scan of the brain?

It is a brain scan that uses a radioactive tracer to show which areas of the brain are active.

How does a PET scan show active areas of the brain?

Active brain cells take in more of the tracer, so these areas show up more clearly on the scan.

Give one way PET scans are useful for studying the brain.

They can show which brain areas are active when a person is doing a task or has a brain disease.

What is one key difference between CT and PET brain scans?

CT scans mainly show brain structure, while PET scans show brain activity as well as structure.

Why do scientists prefer brain scans to cutting into healthy brains?

Brain scans are safer and do not need surgery, so the living brain can be studied without damage.