3.14 Neuroimaging Techniques

These flashcards cover key terminology and concepts related to neuroimaging techniques discussed in the lecture.

Structural Neuroimaging

Techniques that allow visualization of the brain's structure, such as CT, MRI, and DTI.

CT Scan

Computed Tomography scan; uses X-rays to create detailed pictures of the brain's structure.

MRI

Magnetic Resonance Imaging; provides high-resolution images of the brain using magnetic fields.

DTI

Diffusion Tensor Imaging; visualizes white matter tracts and myelinated axons in the brain.

Functional Neuroimaging

Techniques that measure brain activity and function, such as EEG, PET, and fMRI.

EEG

Electroencephalogram; measures electrical activity of the brain using electrodes on the scalp.

PET Scan

Positron Emission Tomography; uses radioactive glucose to visualize brain activity.

fMRI

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging; combines structural and functional imaging by measuring blood oxygenation.

Signal Averaging

A method used in fMRI to average activity over multiple trials to reduce noise.

Correlation vs. Causation

In fMRI data, observed brain activity cannot infer causation; just because an area lights up does not mean it caused the observed activity.