Studying the Brain 6-1

Ways to Study the Brain Recording Stimulation Lesioning Imaging

Recording Electrodes – wires put into the brain that record electrical activity in the brain EEG (electroencephalograph) – machine that records electrical activity of a whole area of the brain Brain waves – the electrical rhythm of the brain

Stimulation Sending an electrical signal to part of the brain to make it work Wilder Penfield – surgeon that stimulated his patients brains during surgery, found out what different parts of the brain can do Used to treat pain

Lesions Cutting or destroying part of the brain (animals)

Images PET scans (positron emission topography) CAT scans (computerized axial tomography) MRI scans (magnetic resonance imaging)

PET Scan show activity in the brain through pictures after a person is given a radioactive shot

CAT Scan moving ring passes X-ray beams through the head, sending radiation to different parts of the brain and computer create a picture

MRI can study structure and activity in the brain, combines features of PET & CAT scans. Send radio frequencies into the brain, a computer reads it and makes a picture

Accidents When someone is hurt, scientists can study their brain and changes in abilities functions to learn more about the brain.

Broca’s Area Dr. Paul Broca – discovered what is now called Broca’s Area which is the area of the brain used for speech