Suppose your neurosurgeon wants to get a good picture of your brain in action. What technique is she most likely to use?
A) CAT scan
B) MRI scan
C) X-ray
D) PET scan

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scans are the best choice for visualizing brain activity. This technique measures the metabolic activity of specific areas of the brain by detecting the distribution of a radiolabeled tracer. The tracer is injected into the patient's bloodstream and accumulates in areas where there is high metabolic activity. As the tracer decays, it emits positrons which collide with electrons, resulting in the emission of two gamma rays in opposite directions. These gamma rays are detected by the PET scanner and used to create a three-dimensional image of the brain.

Suppose Your Neurosurgeon Wants to Get a Good Picture of Your