Brain Scan Techniques

What is unique about the human brain compared to other known entities in our solar system?

• It's the only brain known to exist

• It's the largest brain among terrestrial creatures

• It's the only entity capable of studying and understanding itself

• It's composed of billions of specialized cells

Why is performing surgery on a living brain considered extremely difficult?

• Because it doesn't show any electrical activity

• Because it's shielded by a thick skull and protected by tissue

• Because it's too small

• Because it's identical in every human

What does EEG measure?

• Radioactive elements

• Oxygen consumption

• Blood flow

• Electrical activity in the brain

What is a limitation of EEG?

• It's very expensive

• It measures blood flow

• It can't determine where the activity originates

• It's invasive

What does fMRI measure?

• Electrical activity

• How quickly oxygen is consumed by brain cells

• Radioactive elements in the brain

• The brain's temperature

What is the main advantage of using fMRI?

• It can pinpoint differences in brain activity to within a few millimeters

• It uses radioactive elements

• It measures electrical activity

• It's non-invasive and fast

What does PET scan measure?

• Brain temperature

• Electrical activity

• Oxygen consumption

• Radioactive elements introduced into the brain

Imagine a doctor studying the progression of Alzheimer's in a patient. Why would PET scans be a valuable tool in this scenario?

• Because it measures electrical activity

• Because it can study the complex chemistry in our brains

• Because it's fast

• Because it's non-invasive

How might a neurologist use EEG in their practice?

• To measure the brain's temperature

• To inject radioactive tracers

• To diagnose conditions like epilepsy and sleep disorders

• To observe the brain's structure

What is a limitation of PET scans?

• They are invasive

• They have the lowest time resolution

• They can't measure electrical activity

• They are the most expensive technique