Glossary¶
This glossary defines common terms used in Swell's intrinsic optical signal imaging and spreading depolarization analysis workflows.
Intrinsic optical signal imaging¶
Intrinsic optical signal imaging is an optical imaging technique that measures activity-related changes in tissue reflectance or intensity over time. Swell uses image stacks from these recordings to review events, segment wavefronts, and quantify event-level dynamics.
Spreading depolarization¶
Spreading depolarization is a propagating wave of neuronal and glial depolarization. In optical imaging data, it can appear as a time-varying intensity change that moves across tissue.
Cortical spreading depression¶
Cortical spreading depression is a form of spreading depolarization observed in cortex. Swell uses the broader SD workflow to mark, segment, and quantify these events in image stacks.
SD wavefront¶
The SD wavefront is the moving boundary of the spreading depolarization or spreading depression event. Swell's segmentation tools and SAM-2 propagation workflow help trace this boundary across frames.
Propagation speed¶
Propagation speed estimates how quickly the segmented SD wavefront moves over time. Swell reports this metric from frame-to-frame mask changes when frame rate and physical scale are available.
Recruited area¶
Recruited area is the segmented tissue area involved in the event. Swell exports area metrics in pixels and calibrated physical units when scale information is configured.
Region of interest¶
A region of interest (ROI) limits analysis to a selected tissue area. Swell can use ROI settings for area, relative area, speed, and intensity calculations.
DC trace¶
A DC trace is an electrophysiological recording that can be aligned with the image-stack timeline. Swell can attach DC traces to support event review and export.
SAM-2 propagation¶
SAM-2 propagation uses the Segment Anything Model 2 runtime to extend prompts, brush edits, and mask anchors across an event's frame range. Swell supports manual review and correction after propagation.