1. Brain Function, Discovery, Imaging and Pictures of it

2. What I will attempt to cover What different parts of the brain do Different types of brain imaging – CT (Computed tomography) – MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) – fMRI (Functional magnetic resonance imaging)

3. Brain structure

4. Medulla oblongata Located at the base of the brain, at the top of the spinal cord Automatically controls breathing rate and heart rate Contains a number of centres: – Vasomotor centre – Cardiac centre – Reflex centres

5. Brain structure

6. Cerebellum Located under the cereberal hemispheres Has a folded cortex Coordinates movement and balance

7. Brain structure

8. Hypothalamus Located in front of the brainstem, and beneath the centre of the brain Maintains body temperature (thermoregulation) as well as thirst, fatigue and sleep Responsible for linking the nervous and endocrine system

9. Brain structure

10. Cerebral Hemispheres The largest part of the brain, divided into two halves Highly folded tissue Many different functions performed by the cereberal hemispheres including learning, emotions and vision

12. CT Scans (Computed tomography)

13. MRI scan (Magnetic resonance imaging) Produces a high resolution image more suitable for investigating the soft tissue of the brain Cross sectional images of the brain can be generated by using a very strong electromagnet The brain can be seen in much more detail with an MRI scan than a CT scan and with an MRI scan, an MRI scan is also useful in medical diagnosis

15. fMRI scan (Functional magnetic resonance imaging)

16. fMRI scan (Functional magnetic resonance imaging) The fMRI scan can show changes in brain activity as they occur. uniquely, an fMRI allows the conditions caused by abnormal activity to be studied The molecules in oxygenated blood respond in different way to a magnetic field than deoxygenated blood, the more active regions of the brain can be distinguished because there will be more oxygenated blood flowing there to supply oxygen, the scanner can detect different levels of oxygenation in the blood and create an image from where that blood is in the brain

17. Comparison of different scanning techniques CTMRIfMRI DetailgoodV.good Ionising?Yes, X-rays not good for you No What can you see? Brain structure but not function Structure and function Cost and scan speed Cheaper and faster than MRI and fMRI V.Expensive equipment and lengthy process Advantages?Most useful in imaging bones, less so for soft tissue Best suited for imaging soft tissue, not particularly handy for dense material like bones Most useful for monitoring brain activity; where oxygenated blood is concentrated