Contemporary research

• In-vitro models are conducted in a test tube or controlled environment
• Limitation of In-vitro models

  Don't replicate the cellular conditions of a living body
• Advantage of In-vitro models

  Allows scientists to isolate specific cells and observe different processes
• In-vivo models are conducted on living organisms such as animals
• Limitation of in-vivo models

  Ethical concepts and guidelines
• Advantage of in-vivo models

  Biologically very similar to huamans
• Neuroimaging is used to dectect structural damage and asses functional changes in the brain
• Computerised tomography (CT) scans

  • Structural x-rays of that produce black and white images of the brain
  • Cheaper than MRI's
  • PET scans are more common
• Positron emission tomography (PET) scans

  • Functional, in colour
  • Patient drinks or injects a radioactive dye prior to the scan
  • Used to show the metabolic functioning of tissues and organs
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans

  • Structural, black and white
  • Strong magnetic fields and radio waves produce detailed image of brain structure
• CT, PET and MRI scans all provide images of the psychological impacts of neurological disorders