The Brain: Neuro Techniques
Biology: AQA GCSE Higher, topic 5.2.9
Researching the Brain
Neuroscientists (scientists who study the brain) have been working for many years to understand how the brain works.
MRI scanners
- MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
- MRI scanners have allowed us to learn which areas of the brain are active during different activities, such as moving, speaking and listening.
Brain damage
- By studying patients with brain damage, where part of their brain doesn’t function, neuroscientists have been able to link particular regions of the brain to particular functions.
Electrical stimulation
- Electrical stimulation has also allowed us to treat certain disorders of the brain.
- Because the nervous system communicates using electrical impulses, electrical stimulation is used to help treat conditions such as Parkinson’s disease (causes tremors).
Test yourself on The Brain: Neuro Techniques
What can neuroscientists conclude if damage to one region of a patient's brain causes a loss of speech?
How does the use of electrical stimulation in neuroscience differ from the use of MRI scanning?
An MRI scan shows a particular brain region becomes active while a person moves their arm. What can neuroscientists conclude from this?
How does studying patients with brain damage differ in purpose from using electrical stimulation?
Electrical stimulation can help reduce tremors in patients with Parkinson's disease. What does this suggest about the tremors?