Brain imaging
Brain Imaging
Brain imaging (pronunciation: /breɪn ˈɪmɪdʒɪŋ/) refers to various techniques that are used to capture images of the structure and function of the brain. The term is often used to refer to techniques that are used in medicine and neuroscience to visualize the brain.
Etymology
The term "brain imaging" is derived from the English words "brain", referring to the organ that serves as the center of the nervous system in all vertebrate and most invertebrate animals, and "imaging", referring to the creation of visual representations of the interior of a body for clinical analysis and medical intervention.
Techniques
There are several different techniques used in brain imaging, including:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): This technique uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the brain. It is often used to diagnose brain tumors, strokes, and other conditions.
- Computed Tomography (CT): This technique uses a series of X-ray images taken from different angles to create cross-sectional images of the brain. It is often used to diagnose brain injuries, strokes, and other conditions.
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET): This technique uses a radioactive substance called a tracer to highlight areas of the brain that are active during certain tasks.
- Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI): This technique measures brain activity by detecting changes associated with blood flow. It is often used in research to understand how the brain works.
Related Terms
- Neuroimaging: This is a broader term that refers to the use of various techniques to either directly or indirectly image the structure, function, or pharmacology of the nervous system.
- Radiology: This is the medical specialty that uses medical imaging to diagnose and treat diseases within the body.
- Neurology: This is the branch of medicine dealing with disorders of the nervous system, which includes the brain.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Brain imaging
- Wikipedia's article - Brain imaging
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