An imaging technique that uses a radioactive tracer to measure the functioning of various parts of the brain is ______.
A) a CT scan
B) a PET scan
C) BEAM
D) MRI

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

PET scan stands for positron emission tomography scan. It is an imaging technique that uses a radioactive tracer to measure the functioning of various parts of the brain. The tracer is injected into the body and travels to the brain where it emits positrons. These positrons collide with electrons, which produces gamma rays (photons) that are detected by the PET scanner. This information is then used to create images of the brain and to measure the metabolic and biochemical activity of different areas. Option A, CT scan, uses X-rays to create images of the brain and is not used to measure brain functioning. Option C, BEAM, is not a recognized imaging technique. Option D, MRI, uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create images of the brain but does not use a radioactive tracer to measure brain functioning.

An Imaging Technique That Uses a Radioactive Tracer to Measure