Unit 2 Lesson 8: Tools for Studying the Brain and Brain Plasticity

case study

a real life case of someone who is studied by scientists, such as the cases of H.M. and Phineas Gage.

computerized tomography (CT scan)

imagery technology that uses radiation to show brain activity

corpus callosum

connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain

electroencephalography (EEG)

imagery technology that uses electrical activity to measures brainwaves

functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

imagery technology that uses magnetism to show brain activity over time

lateralization

the concept that the left and right hemispheres of the brain have specialized functions

lesioning

a research technique that helps researchers learn how lesions in particular areas of the brain affect mental abilities and behavior

magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

imagery technology that uses magnetism to show brain structure

neurogenesis

the ability of the brain to form new neurons

neuron

a nerve cell in the brain that communicates with other cells

neuroplasticity

the ability of the nervous system to adapt and change

positron emission tomography (PET scan)

imagery technology that uses radioactive substances in the body to show brain activity

split brain research

the study of the behavioral changes that occur due to the severing of the corpus callosum

split brains

Doctors sometimes sever the corpus callosum to prevent the spread of epileptic seizures. This results in patients with _.

radiation

CT and PET scans are both brain imaging methods that show brain activity through _.

Michael Gazzaniga

made key contributions to knowledge about the brain, specifically neuroplasticity; came up with neurogenesis and lateralization