| The organ in the head that controls functions of the body and mind, composed of billions of interconnected neurons. | Brain |
| What is the brain? | The organ in the head that controls functions of the body and mind, composed of billions of interconnected neurons. |
| Specialized cells in the nervous system responsible for transmitting information throughout the body. | Neuron |
| What are neurons? | Specialized cells in the nervous system responsible for transmitting information throughout the body. |
| The largest part of the brain, responsible for higher brain functions such as conscious thought, memory, and language. | Cerebrum |
| What is the cerebrum responsible for? | Higher brain functions such as conscious thought, memory, and language. |
| One of the two halves of the cerebrum, divided into right and left hemispheres. | Cerebral Hemisphere |
| What are cerebral hemispheres? | The two halves of the cerebrum, divided into right and left hemispheres. |
| The outer layer of the cerebrum responsible for processing sensory information and controlling voluntary movements. | Cerebral Cortex |
| What is the cerebral cortex responsible for? | Processing sensory information and controlling voluntary movements. |
| The part of the brain located at the back responsible for balance and coordination of voluntary movements. | Cerebellum |
| What is the cerebellum responsible for? | Balance and coordination of voluntary movements. |
| The lower part of the brainstem responsible for controlling involuntary functions such as heartbeat and breathing. | Medulla Oblongata |
| What is the medulla oblongata responsible for? | Controlling involuntary functions such as heartbeat and breathing. |
| The physiological processes carried out by the brain, including sensory perception, motor control, and cognitive functions. | Brain Function |
| What is brain function? | The physiological processes carried out by the brain, including sensory perception, motor control, and cognitive functions. |
| To study or examine closely and systematically, often in order to discover new information or facts. | Investigate |
| What does it mean to investigate brain function? | To study or examine closely and systematically in order to discover new information or facts about how the brain works. |
| A medical imaging technique that uses X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body, including the brain. | CT Scanning |
| What is CT scanning used for? | CT scanning is used for medical imaging to create detailed pictures of the body, including the brain. |
| A medical imaging technique that uses X-rays and computer processing to generate detailed cross-sectional images of the body. | Computed Tomography (CT) |
| How does a CT scanner create images of the brain? | By using X-rays to capture multiple images of the brain from different angles. |
| High-energy electromagnetic radiation that can penetrate tissues and is used in medical imaging to visualize internal structures. | X-rays |
| What type of radiation is used in CT scanning? | X-rays are used to create images of the brain in CT scanning. |
| Images of the body or brain that show internal structures as if they have been sliced horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. | Cross-Sectional Images |
| How are images of the brain obtained in CT scanning? | By capturing multiple cross-sectional images from different angles and combining them using computer processing. |
| The use of computers to manipulate and combine multiple images to create a single, detailed picture. | Computer Processing |
| What can the images produced by CT scanning reveal about the brain? | The images can highlight areas of the brain that are damaged or diseased. |
| Positron emission tomography, a medical imaging technique that measures metabolic activity in tissues, including the brain. | PET Scanning |
| What does PET scanning measure in tissues? | PET scanning measures metabolic activity, including in the brain. |
| Radioactive chemicals used in medical imaging to track and visualize specific biological processes or molecules within the body. | Tracers |
| What are tracers used for in PET scanning? | Tracers are used to visualize different activity levels in the brain during PET scanning. |
| Chemical substances that emit radiation and are used in medical imaging to visualize internal processes or structures. | Radioactive Chemicals |
| What type of chemicals are used as tracers in PET scanning? | Radioactive chemicals. |
| The process of administering a substance, such as a tracer, into the body, typically through a vein. | Injection |
| How are tracers administered in PET scanning? | Tracers are injected into the patient's bloodstream. |
| The process of capturing and measuring radiation emitted by radioactive substances, used in medical imaging to create images of tracer activity. | Radiation Detection |
| How is tracer activity detected in PET scanning? | Radiation emitted by the tracer is detected outside the body. |
| The act of evaluating or analyzing two or more things to determine their similarities or differences. | Comparison |
| What is done with the patient's PET scans after they are obtained? | The patient's PET scans are compared to scans of brains that are functioning normally. |
| A progressive neurological disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior, often associated with abnormal protein deposits in the brain. | Alzheimer's Disease |
| What could less active areas in a PET scan indicate? | Less active areas could indicate conditions such as Alzheimer's disease or damage from a stroke. |
| An abnormal mass of tissue caused by uncontrolled cell growth, which can be benign or cancerous. | Tumour |
| What could unusually high activity in a specific area of the brain in a PET scan indicate? | It could indicate the presence of a tumour. |
| Surgical procedures performed on the brain to treat various conditions or injuries. | Brain Surgery |
| What is brain surgery? | Surgical procedures performed on the brain to treat various conditions or injuries. |
| The probability of harm or injury occurring as a result of a particular action or decision. | Risk |
| What is the risk associated with brain surgery? | Brain surgery often carries a risk of causing more damage to the patient. |
| Easily damaged or sensitive, requiring careful handling or treatment. | Delicate |
| How would you describe the nature of the brain? | The brain is delicate and complex. |
| Medical interventions or procedures aimed at alleviating or curing a disease, injury, or condition. | Treatment |
| What is treatment? | Medical interventions or procedures aimed at alleviating or curing a disease, injury, or condition. |
| Abnormal masses of tissue caused by uncontrolled cell growth, which may be benign or cancerous. | Tumours |
| Why may it not be possible to remove tumours in certain areas of the brain? | Due to the risk of causing damage to healthy parts of the brain. |
| The network of nerves and cells that transmit signals between different parts of the body, including the brain and spinal cord. | Nervous System |
| What is the nervous system? | The network of nerves and cells that transmit signals between different parts of the body. |
| Injuries affecting the spinal cord, often resulting in loss of sensation, movement, or function below the injury site. | Spinal Injuries |
| What risks are associated with surgery on the spine? | Surgery on the spine carries the risk of causing greater damage and even paralysis. |
