PSYCO275 Chapter Notes - Chapter 5: Polyclonal Antibodies, Radioactive Tracer, Fluorescence Microscope
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Reaching targets in the brain: requires physical intervention, can be carried out on an intact brain. Stereotaxic surgery the process of implanting an electrode into the brain. Stereotaxic instrument holds the animal"s head in a fixed position while an electric holder is attached to three adjustable arms. When arms are turned the tip of the electrode can be moved a precise distance in any direction to anywhere in the brain. Stereotaxic atlas used to find the three-dimensional coordinates of the target structure, for example, the hippocampus. The book contains illustrations or photographs of sequential coronal sections through the brain. (figure 5. 2 page 139). Bregma a point on the skull where the frontal and parietal bones meet. A skull landmark, used as a starting set of coordinates. The electrode is lowered into the brain until the right pop is heard, telling you that the electrode tip is accurately positioned.