Question

Identify four methods that can be used to obtain functional maps of the human brain and how they can facilitate our understanding of the brain via lesion studies.

Answer 1

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), and lesion studies are four methods that can be used to obtain functional maps of the human brain. These methods facilitate our understanding of the brain via lesion studies by providing information about the functions of different brain regions and their involvement in various behaviors and processes.

Step-by-step explanation:

There are several methods that can be used to obtain functional maps of the human brain:

1. Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI): This technique measures changes in oxygenated blood flow in specific brain regions that are correlated with behavioral tasks, providing a map of the most active areas.
2. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan: PET scans use a small amount of radioactive material to visualize brain activity, revealing functional maps.
3. Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): TMS temporarily deactivates specific parts of the cortex using strong magnets placed outside the head, giving insight into the functions of different brain regions.
4. Lesion studies: Lesion studies involve examining patients who have had injuries or diseases that affect specific brain areas, helping to determine what brain areas are involved in different functions.

These methods facilitate our understanding of the brain via lesion studies by providing information about the functions of different brain regions, showing how those areas are related to functional deficits, and revealing that any given brain area can be involved in more than one behavior or process. They also demonstrate that any given behavior or process generally involves neurons in multiple brain areas.