Editing Mind (section)

=== Neuroscience ===
{{main|Neuroscience}}

[[File:1206 FMRI.jpg|thumb|alt=fMRI image showing the brain from a top view with active areas colored in orange|upright=0.7|[[Functional magnetic resonance imaging]] is a neuroimaging technique to detect brain areas with increased neural activity (shown in orange).<ref>{{harvnb|Scharff|2008|pp=[https://books.google.com/books?id=mqcvrd7rKc0C&pg=PA270 270–271]}}</ref>]]

Neuroscience is the study of the nervous system. Its primary focus is the [[central nervous system]] and the brain in particular, but it also investigates the [[peripheral nervous system]] mainly responsible for connecting the central nervous system to the limbs and organs. Neuroscience examines the implementation of mental phenomena on a physiological basis, covering various levels of analysis. On the small scale, it studies the molecular and cellular basis of the mind, dealing with the constitution of and interaction between individual neurons. On the large scale, it analyzes the architecture of the brain as a whole and its division into regions with different functions.<ref>{{multiref | {{harvnb|Friedenberg|Silverman|Spivey|2022|pp=17–18}} | {{harvnb|Hellier|2014|pp=[https://books.google.com/books?id=FOTNEAAAQBAJ&pg=PR31 31–32]}} | {{harvnb|Marcus|Jacobson|2012|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=II3lBwAAQBAJ&pg=SA1-PA3 3]}} }}</ref> The [[History of neuroscience|study of the nervous system began]] in the ancient period and evolved through the centuries, including [[anatomical]] insights through dissections and speculative theories about brain functions. Neuroscience was recognized as a distinct academic discipline in the 20th century as technological advances, like the development of [[neuroimaging]] techniques, revolutionized the field.<ref>{{multiref | {{harvnb|Getz|2023|pp=1–2, 7–8}} | {{harvnb|Cowan|Harter|Kandel|2000|pp=343–344}} }}</ref>

In modern neuroscience, neuroimaging techniques are of particular importance as the main research methods of neuroscientists. [[Functional magnetic resonance imaging]] (fMRI) measures changes in the [[magnetic field]] of the brain associated with blood flow. Areas of increased blood flow indicate that the corresponding brain region is particularly active. [[Positron emission tomography]] (PET) uses radioactive substances to detect a range of [[Metabolism|metabolic changes]] in the brain. [[Electroencephalography]] (EEG) measures the electrical activity of the brain, usually by placing [[electrode]]s on the scalp and measuring the voltage differences between them. These techniques are often employed to measure brain changes under particular circumstances, for example, while engaged in a specific cognitive task. Important insights are also gained from patients and [[laboratory animal]]s with [[brain damage]], helping neuroscientists understand the function of the damaged area and how its absence affects the remaining brain.<ref>{{multiref | {{harvnb|Friedenberg|Silverman|Spivey|2022|pp=17–18}} | {{harvnb|Engelmann|Mulckhuyse|Ting|2019|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=uC2jDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA159 159]}} | {{harvnb|Scharff|2008|pp=[https://books.google.com/books?id=mqcvrd7rKc0C&pg=PA270 270–271]}} | {{harvnb|Hellier|2014|pp=[https://books.google.com/books?id=FOTNEAAAQBAJ&pg=PR31 31–32]}} }}</ref>