Unit 3-B (A):
Brain Monitoring Tools
Mr. McCormick
A.P. Psychology
Do-Now
(In Journal)

Why is it important to learn about the brain
when studying Psychology?
 What
roles does it play in human thought and
behavior?

What are some ways that neuroscientists
monitor brain activity?
Monitoring the Brain: Lesions

Lesion:
Tissue destruction
 Naturally or experimentally caused destruction of
brain tissue

Monitoring the Brain: Lesions
How can lesions in the brain
help neuroscientists
better understand neural activity?
Monitoring the Brain:
Recording Electrical Activity

E.E.G. (Electroencephalogram):
Amplified recording of the waves of electrical
activity that sweep across the brains surface
 Measured electrodes placed on the scalp

Monitoring the Brain:
Neuroimaging Techniques

C.T. (Computed Tomography) Scan:




X-ray photos taken from different angles. combined through
computers into a composite representation
Reveals brain damage
“CAT” Scan
P.E.T. (Positron Emission Tomography) Scan:


Visual display of brain activity
Detects where a radioactive form of glucose goes while the
brain performs a given task
Neuroimaging Techniques:
P.E.T. Scan
Video Clip: P.E.T. Scan
 How
do neuroscientists use
P.E.T. Scans to determine the
neural activity of language?
 What
is the role of radioactive
glucose?
Monitoring the Brain:
Neuroimaging Techniques

M.R.I. (Magnetic Resonance Imaging):
Uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce
computer-generated images of soft tissue
 Displays brain anatomy


f.M.R.I. (Functional M.R.I.):
Reveals brain activity and blood flow by comparing
successive M.R.I. scans
 Displays brain function

Monitoring the Brain:
Comparing M.R.I. Scans
MRI scan of a healthy individual (left) and a person with schizophrenia (right)
Video Clip: f.M.R.I.
 What
is the difference between a
M.R.I. and a f.M.R.I. Scan?
 How
do f.M.R.I. Scans display
the functions of the brain?
Review

Differentiate between the following methods of
measuring brain activity:

E.E.G. (Electroencephalogram)

C.T. (Computed Tomography) Scan

P.E.T. (Position Emission Tomography) Scan

M.R.I. (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

f.M.R.I. (Functional M.R.I.)
Homework

Unit 3-B FRQ:

Unit 3 Key People:

Unit 3 Project: “3-D Brain Model”