Neuroplasticity and Tools of Discovery

localization of functions

various brain areas have different functions

biological psychologist

finding the link between hormonal, genetic and neural functions and psychological processes

biopsychosocial

how biological, psychological, and social systems work and interact and shape us

neuroplasticity

the brain’s ability to change

lesion

tissue destruction

optogenetics

control the activity of individual neurons

EEG

amplified recording of the waves of electrical activity sweeping across the brain’s surface. Measured by the electrodes placed on the scalp

MEG

brain-imaging technique that measures magnetic fields from the brain’s natural electrical activity

CT

examines the brain by taking X-Ray photographs that can reveal brain damage

PET

depicts brain activity by showing each brain area’s consumption of its chemical fuel, glucose. Shows most active brain areas

MRI

put in a strong magnetic field, when atoms are returned to their normal spin, they emit signals that provide a detailed picture of soft tissues, including the brain

ventricles

fluid-filled brain areas

fMRI

reveals brain functioning and structure, detects blood flow

functional near infrared spectroscopy

shines infrared light on blood molecules to identify brain activity