Describe how each of the following

techniques is used to study brain structure

and function:

(i) Computerised Tomography (CT) [5]

The head of the patient is placed in the machine
where thousands of tiny beams of x-rays are
passed through, detected and measured. The data
is put together in a computer to produce a cross-
sectional mage of the brain. Sometimes special
dyes are injected into the blood or tissues so that
specific areas are made opaque to x-rays and
hence show up clearly in the scan.
The CT scan helps the doctor to identify major
structures in the brain and detect problems such as
brain tumours, determining the size and location of
the tumour and thus the brain functions that will
be affected. The scans can also show bleeding in
the brain or swelling of any arteries.
However, the images produced do not show
very fine structural details and hence cannot be
used to determine how areas of the brain change
during different activities.

(ii) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) [5]

These scans produce images of a higher resolution
compared to CT scans and use magnetic fields and
radio waves to image the soft tissues. They
therefore have a reduced risk of damage from x-
rays. They use the hydrogen atoms in the body to
produce strong MRI signals which are then
analysed by a computed to give images. Different
regions of the brain can be recognised due to the
tissues containing different amounts of water.
The scans are used to diagnose brain injuries,
damage caused by strokes, tumours and infections.
They help doctors to make connections between
brain structures and behaviour patterns because
the scan images are very clear.

(iii) Functional Magnetic Resonance

Imaging (fMRI) [5]
This recent development makes it possible to
observe different areas of the brain while people
carry out different tasks. They detect the levels of
blood oxygenation in the brain. Deoxyhaemoglobin
absorbs and re-emits the radio signals, while
oxyhaemoglobin does not.
fMRI helps doctors to observe the changes in
brain activity during different tasks and the images
can be used to diagnose early signs of strokes or
Alzheimers Disease.

Compare the advantages of CT scans and MRI

scans [5]

CT scans use X-rays, whereas MRI scans use

magnetic fields and radio waves.
CT scans are not noisy but MRI scans are noisy.
CT scans are less safe as they use X-rays
which can penetrate the skin, but MRI scans
are safe as they do not use X-rays.
CT scans produce low resolution images but
MRI scans produce high resolution images.

CT:
Beam of x-rays
Amount that passes through will be detected
and this will be integrate to produce an image.
They may need to inject dyes so that the areas
that are opaque will show up
Doctors can identify the size and location of a
tumour from the CT scan or a clot or bleeding in
the brain.

Disadvantages: -Risk of mutations due to x-rays

-low resolution-dont give fine details

MRI
Radio waves and magnetic fields used safer
than x-rays
MRI signals are generated by hydrogen atoms
Greater resolution of the image, i.e finer
details
Limitations
Patient has to be immobilised
Noisy
Expensive
Cannot be used for people with
metal implants and pacemakers,
due to interference with the
magnetic field.
Doesnt show the changes in
brain parts as people are
engaging in brain activity; hence
use fMRI

fMRI
Different parts of the brain light up during
brain activity due to oxygen levels.

CT & MRI comparison

Similarities:
 Both give 3-D images, but CT has a lower
resolution

Differences:
CT is x-rays; MRI is radio
CT is cheaper
MRI cant be used with implants, or artificial
joints
MRI is noisy