Methods to Study the Brain The Brain How do we learn about the brain & its functions? Tools of discovery 1. Clinical observation (case study) - Phineas Gage The Story of Phineas Gage (A Reenactment) Module 25 of The Brain Series (12:00)The Story of Phineas Gage (A Reenactment) Tools of Discovery 2. Manipulating the brain a. Lesions purposely destroying a part of the brain and observing the results. b. Brain Stimulation (Show at :40-:50 sec)Brain Stimulation Tools of Discovery 3. Electroencephalogram (EEG) shows the brains electrical activity. 4. Major Imaging Techniques Allows us to look inside the brain without surgical intrusion. CT Scan Structural MRI PET Scan Functional MRI CT Scan (Computed Tomography) Much-improved version of x-ray imaging. Takes a series of cross-sectional photographs, which are then put together to form a three-dimensional image. PET Scan (positron emission tomography) Reveal the activity of different areas Shows consumption of radioactive glucose (active neurons use more glucose) as the subject performs various mental activities. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) Spinning atoms within the brain are aligned in a strong magnetic field. A brief pulse of radio waves disorients the aligned atoms, and the signals released as the atoms realign are processed to form images. Two Types of MRI: Structural MRI Shows structures within the brain Click below to view an example Functional MRI Show functioning of different structures in the brain by measuring blood flow. Click below to view an example