Scanning The Brain Flashcards

All 5 cards in this deck

Why is brain tissue investigated using scans rather than by examining it directly?

The brain is encased in the skull, so it is difficult to access, and operating on it risks serious damage.

What does a CT scan use, and what does it show about the brain?

Uses X-rays; it shows a detailed image of brain structure (e.g. a tumour or damaged region).

What does a PET scan use, and what does it show about the brain?

Uses an injected radioactive tracer (e.g. radioactive glucose); it shows which areas are active, so gives structure and function in real time.

True or false? A CT scan shows which parts of the brain are active.

False. A CT scan shows structure only; a PET scan shows brain activity.

Give one risk of using CT scanning to investigate the brain.

It exposes the patient to ionising radiation (X-rays).