Structural brain imaging Flashcards Preview

Biology unit 5 > Structural brain imaging > Flashcards

Flashcards in Structural brain imaging Deck (13)
Loading flashcards...
1
Q

What can result from damage to the temporal lobe

A

People being unable to recognise everyday objects

2
Q

Describe CT scans

A

Uses X-rays to assess brain damage

3
Q

How do CT scans work

A
  • X-ray beams are sent through the patient and picked up with a detector on the opposite side
  • Dense areas of the brain absorb the X-rays more and the detector will pick up less X-ray radiation
  • Create an image from how much radiation is detected
4
Q

What happens if an X-ray is only sent from one direction

A

The image will be unclear

5
Q

How do they get a clear image using X-rays

A

The X-ray is rotated to build up a clear 2D slice of the brain from all sides

6
Q

What is the downside to CT scans

A

They expose the patient to harmful radiation

7
Q

Describe an MRI scan

A

Uses a magnetic field to image the structures in the brain

8
Q

What does the strong magnetic field over the brain in an MRI cause

A

Causes hydrogen atoms in the brain to line up with the direction of the magnetic field

9
Q

What is done after the Magnetic field has caused hydrogen atoms to line up with the magnetic field

A

A high frequency radio signal is sent towards the atoms, which flips their direction

10
Q

What will the hydrogen atoms do once the radio signal has stopped

A

Slowly return to line up with the magnetic field

11
Q

What happens to the hydrogen atoms as they go to realign with the direction of the magnetic field

A

They emit some radiation - the more hydrogen atoms their are the more radiation will be detected

12
Q

Which areas of the brain contain most hydrogen atoms

A

Areas with water, so they will produce strongest signal

13
Q

What images does an MRI create

A

A series of 2D images that can be put together to create a 3D image