Bio: Brain Imaging Technology

Question 1

PET Scan

Answer 1

Positron Emission Tomography
Determine brain activity and function by measuring blood flow and use of glucose. Radioactive glucose is injected into the brain. Because brain activity requires energy, active areas use more sugar. The scan can pick up the radiation signals and creates colored images of where in the brain the glucose is being used—highlighting where brain function and activity is taking place.

Question 2

MRI

Answer 2

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

MRI scans use magnetic and radio waves to provide still, 3-D images of the brain’s structure.

Question 3

fMRI

Answer 3

functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging

An fMRI uses magnetic and radio waves to provide dynamic, colored 3-D images of the brain’s blood flow and activity.

Question 4

MRI SAQ Intro

Answer 4

Introduction: MRI

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging gives a three-dimensional picture of the brain structures
• detects changes in blood flow without using a radioactive tracer
• uses magnetic fields and radiowaves
• some substances making up the body have intrinsic magnetic properties and respond to being in a magnetic field
• when a magnetic field is passed, reverbations are produced by hydrogen molecules
• picked up by scanner which converts it into a structural image
• can detect growth in brain areas