Brain scanning (10)

Question 1

What are the three types of scanners you need to know?

Answer 1

• MRI
• CT
• fMRI

Question 2

Describe the use of MRI in medical diagnosis and investigating brain structure and function.

Answer 2

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce cross-section images of the brain.
• produces high quality images of soft tissue like the brain
• can see the difference between normal and abnormal brain tissue
• can see the size and location of tumours in the brain
• can work out the function of particular areas by seeing which part is damaged and which function is lost

Question 3

Describe the use of fMRI in medical diagnosis and investigating brain structure and function.

Answer 3

• Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• like MRI but shows changes in brain activity as they happen (as more oxygenated blood flows to active areas - this shows up on an fMRI scan)
• detiled and high resolution picture
• can easily identify function
• shows damaged or diseased areas of the brain

Question 4

Describe the use of CT in medical diagnosis and investigating brain structure and function.

Answer 4

• Computed Tomography
• uses X-rays (which can cause mutations in DNA and possibly cancer)
• shows the major structures of the brain
• shows damaged or dieased areas
• can work out the function
• poorer quality than MRI or fMRI

Question 5

Compare the three types in regards to: quality of image, what they use, how functions can be seen, cost and possible danger.

Answer 5

QUALITY OF IMAGE:
CT = lower then MRI and fMRI
MRI = high
fMRI = high

USES
CT= X-rays
MRI = magnetic fields and radio waves
fMRI = magnetic fields and radio waves

FUNCTION CAN BE …
CT = worked out
MRI = worked out
fMRI = seen as it occurs

COST
CT = cheaper than other two
MRI = expensive
fMRI = expensive

POSSIBLY DANGEROUS?
CT = yeah
MRI = nah
fMRI = nah