PM276: Neuroanatomy and Neurology Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of structural imaging in neuroimaging?

To identify the tumour location using radiographic planes

To observe and analyse (bio)physical processes on particular length scales

To measure anatomical changes over time (correct)

To diagnose multiple sclerosis

What is the significance of the 'right-hand rule' in radiographic planes?

It is used to determine the sagittal, coronal, and transverse planes

It is used to diagnose neurological disorders

It helps to identify the anterior and posterior directions

It applies to co-ordinate axes in imaging (correct)

What is the primary focus of a neuroradiologist in functional imaging?

To identify the tumour location using radiographic planes

To observe and analyse (bio)physical processes on particular length scales (correct)

To measure anatomical changes over time

To diagnose multiple sclerosis

What is the purpose of the 'Frames of Reference' in neuroimaging?

To clarify the orientation of the imaging data Signup and view all the answers

What is the range of length scales that can be observed in structural imaging?

From microns to mm Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the lecturer in this course?

To record the lecture and make it available on canvas Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism of indirect action radiation damage to cellular components?

Formation of hydroxyl free radicals from ionized water molecules Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of fluorodeoxyglucose in Positron Emission Tomography (PET)?

To label a substance for radioactive tracing Signup and view all the answers

What is the energy of the gamma ray photons emitted during positron annihilation?

511 keV Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of direct action ionizing radiation on cellular components?

Direct interaction with DNA Signup and view all the answers

What is the deterministic effect of ionizing radiation on cells?

Cell death Signup and view all the answers

What is the process by which a proton-rich nucleus achieves stability in positron decay?

Converting a proton to a neutron Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary application of F-18 FDG in oncology?

Staging disease and monitoring response to therapy Signup and view all the answers

What is the half-life of technicium-99m (99mTc)?

6 hours Signup and view all the answers

What is the limitation of conventional X-ray imaging in terms of depth information?

Depth information is lost Signup and view all the answers

What is the mathematical principle behind CT reconstruction?

Radon's principle Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between axial and helical acquisitions in CT imaging?

Axial acquisitions use a stationary patient, while helical acquisitions use a moving table Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of helical acquisitions over axial acquisitions in CT imaging?

Entire regions can be scanned Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using various parts of the electromagnetic spectrum in medical imaging?

To probe matter and create images Signup and view all the answers

What is the frequency range of radio waves in clinical MRI scanners?

Around 100 MHz Signup and view all the answers

What type of radiation has sufficient kinetic energy to ionise molecules?

Directly ionising radiation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between ionising and non-ionising radiation?

Their ability to produce ionisation Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using functional information in neuroimaging?

To provide additional information to structural data Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to consider health and safety in medical imaging?

To protect patients from radiation exposure Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of acquiring a volume of data with patient anatomy all in one position in CT scans?

Minimizing misalignment due to breathing or other motion Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why certain patients with implants may not be able to have an MRI scan?

The strong magnetic field may cause the implant to malfunction Signup and view all the answers

What is the unit of measurement for magnetic field strength?

Tesla (T) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of MRI over CT in terms of soft tissue contrast?

MRI provides superior soft tissue contrast Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of MR spectroscopy?

To obtain chemical information Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical field strength of MRI scanners used in hospitals?

1.5T Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Neuroimaging

Neuroimaging is used to identify structures and processes in the brain and nervous system through various imaging techniques.
Frames of reference are important in neuroimaging, as they help to determine the orientation of the tumour or area of interest.

Radiographic Planes

Radiographic planes include:
- Sagittal (left-right, lateral)
- Coronal (front-back, anterior-posterior)
- Transverse or Axial (up-down, superior-inferior)

Structural Imaging

Structural imaging allows observation and analysis of physical structures on various length scales (microns to mm).
It can be used to measure anatomical changes over time.

Functional Imaging

Functional imaging allows observation and analysis of biological processes on various length scales.
It can be used to answer questions such as "does the patient have multiple sclerosis?"

Ionising Radiation

Ionising radiation includes:
- X-rays
- Gamma rays
- Neutrons
Ionising radiation causes ionisation or excitation of atoms, leading to:
- Direct action: damage to DNA, RNA, proteins
- Indirect action: formation of free radicals, leading to cellular damage and death

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

PET uses radioactive labelling of a substance (e.g. fluorodeoxyglucose) to image functional processes.
The isotope emits positrons, which annihilate with electrons, producing two gamma ray photons that are detected by a detector ring.
Spatial resolution: ~4 mm
Temporal resolution: ~30 mm
PET is used in:
- Functional imaging: blood flow, perfusion, glucose metabolism
- Oncology: staging disease, monitoring response to therapy

Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT)

SPECT uses a radioactive substance (e.g. technetium-99m) to image functional processes.
Two cameras detect the gamma rays emitted by the substance.

X-ray Imaging

X-rays were discovered by Wilhelm Roentgen in 1895.
X-rays produce a "shadow" on a flat photographic film, depending on the amount of absorbing material in the path and the attenuation coefficient of the medium.
Advantages of X-ray imaging:
- Quick
- Cheap
- Can be combined with other modalities
Disadvantages of X-ray imaging:
- Lack of contrast between soft tissues
- Depth information lost
- Ionising radiation

Computed Tomography (CT) Imaging

CT imaging uses X-rays to produce a 2D representation of a 2D object.
Image reconstruction is based on mathematical principles developed by Radon in 1917.
Advantages of CT imaging:
- Quick
- High spatial resolution
- Can image bones and soft tissues
Disadvantages of CT imaging:
- Ionising radiation
- Limited contrast between soft tissues

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

MRI provides superior soft tissue contrast compared to CT.
No ionising radiation is used.
Many types of contrasts are possible (e.g. diffusion, perfusion, blood-oxygenation properties).
Chemical information can be obtained via MR spectroscopy.
Disadvantages of MRI:
- Scans take longer than CT
- Strong magnetic field, magnetic field gradients, and radiofrequency may prevent certain patients with implants from having a scan
- MRI examinations are more expensive

Magnetism

Magnetic field strength is measured in tesla (T).
Typical MRI scanners have field strengths: 0.5T, 1.5T, 3T, 7T.
Magnetic susceptibility tells us the extent to which materials become magnetised in a magnetic field.

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Description

Test your understanding of neuroanatomy and neurology with this quiz. Covers topics related to neuroimaging, magnetic resonance physics, and more. Prepare to assess your knowledge of the human nervous system and related disorders.