Question

1. scientists often use brain scans like mris and eegs to learn about how the brain functions or about what is happening when the brain is not working. briefly describe each type of brain scan and then given an example of a condition that you could examine with that scan a. mri description: i. example: b. eeg description: i. example: 5. a patient is hit in the neck and begins to have changes in heart rate and breathing. they also feel numbness and tingling in their limbs. what areas of the nervous system were likely damaged and how do you know? 6. a patient is in a car accident and is having trouble seeing and producing language, yet they understand language still (you can tell from their writing). what areas of the brain are likely damaged and how do you know? 7. how do injuries like the one in questions 5 and 6 help scientists discover the brain’s function? 8. do you have any questions about the brain’s structure and function right now?

Explanation:

a. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed cross - sectional images of the brain. It can detect structural abnormalities such as tumors, strokes, or brain injuries. For example, a brain tumor can be visualized with an MRI as a distinct mass with different tissue characteristics compared to the surrounding normal brain tissue.
b. EEG (Electroencephalogram) measures the electrical activity of the brain through electrodes placed on the scalp. It can be used to detect abnormal electrical patterns associated with conditions like epilepsy. During a seizure, the EEG will show abnormal spike - and - wave patterns.

1. The areas likely damaged are the spinal cord and the autonomic nervous system. The changes in heart rate and breathing are regulated by the autonomic nervous system, and the numbness and tingling in the limbs suggest damage to the spinal cord which is responsible for relaying sensory and motor information between the body and the brain.
2. The occipital lobe (responsible for vision) and Broca's area (involved in speech production) are likely damaged. The trouble seeing indicates a problem with the occipital lobe, and the difficulty in producing language while still understanding it (evidenced by writing) points to damage in Broca's area.
3. These injuries help scientists discover the brain's function by showing the consequences of damage to specific areas. By observing the deficits that occur after an injury, scientists can infer the normal function of the damaged area. For example, if an injury to a certain part of the brain causes a loss of a particular ability, it suggests that area is involved in that function.
4. This is a self - reflection question and the answer will vary from person to person.

Answer:

a. MRI description: Uses magnetic field and radio waves for brain imaging.
i. Example: Detecting brain tumors.
b. EEG description: Measures brain's electrical activity.
i. Example: Detecting epilepsy.

1. Likely damaged areas: Spinal cord and autonomic nervous system. Reason: Autonomic nervous system controls heart rate and breathing, spinal cord relays sensory/motor info for limb symptoms.
2. Likely damaged areas: Occipital lobe and Broca's area. Reason: Occipital lobe for vision, Broca's area for speech production.
3. Injuries show consequences of damage to infer normal function of areas.
4. Varies by person.