Types of Brain Scans AP Psych

electroencephalogram (EEG)

an amplified recording of the waves of electrical activity sweeping across the brain's surface; measured by electrodes placed on the scalp

computed tomography scan (CT)

a series of X-ray photographs taken from different angles and combined by computer into a composite representation of a slice of the brain's structure

-can reveal brain damage

position emission tomography scan (PET)

a visual display of brain activity that detects where a radioactive form of glucose goes while the brain performs a give task

magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

a technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce computer-generated images off soft tissue; show brain anatomy

functional MRI (fMRI)

a technique used for revealing blood flow, and, therefore, brain activity by comparing successive MRI scans; show brain functions as well as structure