During a positron emission tomography (PET) scan of the brain,
A) radioactive fluorine creates positrons within the brain that are detected as they leave the patient.
B) an external positron beam is sent through the patient's brain and detected as it leaves the patient.
C) matter and antimatter annihilate within the brain to create positrons that are detected as they leave the patient.
D) positrons and electrons annihilate within the brain to create gamma photons that are detected as they leave the patient.
E) highly sensitive detectors measure the positrons that are naturally emitted by the human body.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In a PET scan, a radioactive tracer emits positrons that collide with electrons in the brain, resulting in annihilation and the production of gamma photons, which are then detected.

During a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan of the Brain