Whole Brain Imaging -Test 1

Question 1

In a study investigating the neural correlates of memory formation, researchers decide to employ a whole brain imaging technique to visualize changes and brain activity during memory tasks. Which imaging modality would be most suitable for capturing detailed spatial information about brain activation patterns associated with memory processes?

Answer 1

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

Question 2

Which of the following statements accurately distinguishes between Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease?

Answer 2

Alzheimer’s disease associated with a decline in cognitive functions, whereas Parkinson’s disease is characterized by tremors and movement difficulties

Question 3

In the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, which of the following represents the typical sequence of stages?

Answer 3

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI), early stage Alzheimer’s, moderate dementia, severe dementia

Question 4

What is the primary purpose of the mini-mental state examination (MMSE)?

Answer 4

To evaluate cognitive function and screen for dementia

Question 5

Aducanumab, a medication that gained attention in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, is designed to target:

Answer 5

Amyloid-beta plaques

Question 6

Which of the following pathological features is commonly associated with Alzheimer’s?

Answer 6

Neurofibrillary tangles

Question 7

What is the primary purpose of a meta-analysis in scientific research?

Answer 7

To combine and analyze results from multiple studies on a specific topic

Question 8

What is the main structural difference between amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the context of Alzheimer’s disease?

Answer 8

Amyloid plaques are extracellular deposits of beta-amyloid, while neurofibrillary tangles are intracellular aggregates of tau protein

Question 9

In amyloid PET imaging, which brain region is often used as a negative control or reference region?

Answer 9

Cerebellum

Question 10

Why is histology often used as a “standard of truth” in amyloid PET assessments?

Answer 10

To validate the accuracy of PET imaging by directly examining brain tissue

Question 11

What is a positron?

Answer 11

An anti-particle with the same mass as an electron but a positive charge

Question 12

Which of the following statements accurately describes the isotopes of hydrogen?

Answer 12

Protium, deuterium, and tritium are three isotopes of hydrogen

Question 13

When a positron annihilates with an electron, what is the result of this process?

Answer 13

Formation of gamma rays (photons).

Question 14

In a cyclotron, oxygen-18 can be used to produce a positron-emitting isotope for positron emission tomography (PET). What is the resulting isotope produced through the bombardment of oxygen-18?

Answer 14

Fluorine-18

Question 15

In PET (positron emission tomography) imaging for research, what is typically used as a radiotracer to visualize brain metabolism?

Answer 15

FDG (Fluorodeoxyglucose)

Question 16

What is the approximate half-life of Fluorine-18 (F-18), a commonly used radionuclide in PET tracers?

Answer 16

110 minutes

Question 17

What is a common limitation of PET (positron emission topography) imaging?

Answer 17

Limited spatial resolution

Question 18

Which of the following statements accurately describes the differences between H+ (proton), H (hydrogen atom), and H2 (molecular hydrogen)?

Answer 18

H+ is a proton, H is a hydrogen atom, and H2 is a neutral hydrogen molecule

Question 19

Why is PET (positron emission tomography) often combined with MRI or CT scanning in hybrid imaging systems?

Answer 19

To enhance the spatial resolution of PET images

Question 20

In a research study aiming to assess Alzheimer’s disease using PET imaging, what is a crucial consideration in determining the research methodology?

Answer 20

The selection criteria for participants, including demographics and clinical characteristics

Question 21

Fluorine-18 (F-18) undergoes radioactive decay in PET imaging. What type of decay does F-18 primarily exhibit?

Answer 21

Beta-plus (B+) decay

Question 22

What is a key distinction between fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) and PET (positron emission tomography) imaging techniques?

Answer 22

fMRI measures changes in blood flow, while PET measures radioactive emissions

Question 23

What is the typical spatial resolution of MRI in the millimeter (mm) scale?

Answer 23

1 to 2 mm resolution

Question 24

What is the primary source of contrast in MRI images when specific contrasting agents are not used?

Answer 24

Tissue density variations, mainly in the density of water

Question 25

What is the primary function of hemoglobin in the human body?

Answer 25

Transportation of oxygen from lungs to tissues

Question 26

What is a key difference between hemoglobin and myoglobin?

Answer 26

Hemoglobin contains iron and is involved in oxygen transport in blood, while myoglobin is found in muscle cells and aids in oxygen storage

Question 27

Sickle cell disease characterized by a mutation in the:

Answer 27

Hemoglobin gene

Question 28

In a research study comparing brain fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) between individuals with sickle cell anemia and normal individuals, what hypothesis could be proposed regarding potential differences, and why?

Answer 28

Brain fMRI patterns in individuals with sickle cell anemia may differ from normal individuals, as the disease could impact cerebral blood flow and oxygenation

Question 29

How many polypeptide chains make up a functional hemoglobin protein molecule?

Answer 29

Four

Question 30

What is the role of heme in hemoglobin?

Answer 30

It binds with oxygen to facilitate oxygen transport

Question 31

What defines the diamagnetic and paramagnetic properties of hemoglobin?

Answer 31

The presence of iron in the heme group

Question 32

What distinguishes diamagnetic (not magnetic) and paramagnetic (magnetic) properties of ferrous atoms?

Answer 32

Diamagnetic atoms have no unpaired electrons, while paramagnetic atoms have unpaired electrons

Question 33

Why do oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin generate distinct fMRI signals?

Answer 33

Oxygenated hemoglobin is diamagnetic, while deoxygenated hemoglobin is paramagnetic

Question 34

What are patients typically asked to do during imaging in fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging)?

Answer 34

Engage in specific cognitive tasks or activities

Question 35

What is a common clinical application of fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging)?

Answer 35

Evaluating brain function and mapping neural activity

Question 36

In Alzheimer’s research utilizing fMRI, which research question aims to explore the functional connectivity changes associated with the progression of the disease?

Answer 36

How do alterations in functional connectivity correlate with cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease?

Question 37

How is fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) utilized in neurosurgery?

Answer 37

To guide surgeons by mapping brain function and identifying critical areas

Question 38

What ethical concerns arise regarding the use of fMRI for lie detection in court rooms, particularly related to concerns about accuracy and reliability?

Answer 38

The potential impact of inaccurate or unreliable results on legal outcomes

Question 39

Can fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) be effectively used to detect peripheral neurodegeneration?

Answer 39

No, fMRI is primarily used for central nervous system imaging and is not suitable for peripheral neurodegeneration

Question 40

Can FDG (Fluorodeoxyglucose) be used in fMRI for functional brain imaging?

Answer 40

No, FDG is not suitable for functional brain imaging using fMRI

Question 41

What property of hydrogen atoms is particularly useful in MRI?

Answer 41

Magnetic spin

Question 42

In MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), what does precession refer to?

Answer 42

The rotation of magnetic moments of protons

Question 43

How can the precession of protons be influenced in MRI to generate signals?

Answer 43

By changing the characteristics of radiofrequency pulses

Question 44

What is a key difference in composition between white matter and gray matter in the brain?

Answer 44

Gray matter consists primarily of cell bodies, while white matter consists, mainly of myelinated axons

Question 45

In a saggital section of the human brain:

Answer 45

White matter is primarily located in the center, surrounded by gray matter

Question 46

In the spinal cord:

Answer 46

White matter is primarily found externally, surrounding gray matter

Question 47

Why does white matter appear lighter in MRI compared to gray matter?

Answer 47

White matter has lower water content

Question 48

Where is the corpus callosum located in the human brain?

Answer 48

Between the cerebral hemispheres

Question 49

Why does cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) appear dark in MRI images compared to brain tissues?

Answer 49

CSF has higher water content

Question 50

Why is MRI considered less harmful compared to PET (positron emission tomography)?

Answer 50

PET uses ionizing radiation, while MRI does not