What is the term for the technique that uses a magnetic field to temporarily activate or silence areas of the cortex?

The technique that uses a magnetic field to temporarily activate or silence areas of the cortex is known as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). This non-invasive method employs magnetic fields to induce electrical currents in specific regions of the brain, allowing researchers and clinicians to study neuronal function and even treat certain neurological and psychiatric conditions.

TMS can stimulate or inhibit neuronal activity depending on the parameters used, such as the frequency and duration of the magnetic pulses. This versatility makes TMS a powerful tool for both research purposes and therapeutic applications, such as treating depression when traditional methods are not effective.

The other options include various techniques that involve electrical or other forms of stimulation, but they do not rely on magnetic fields in the same way that TMS does, thus distinguishing TMS as the correct answer.