An advantage of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) over positron emission tomography (PET) is:
A)it can detect how specific tasks activate brain regions
B)it can measure electrical activation
C)it does not require the patient ingest any chemicals
D)it is based on x-ray techniques

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

MRI does not require the patient to ingest any chemicals, while PET requires the injection of a radioactive tracer. MRI can also provide high-resolution structural images, while PET is better suited for detecting metabolic and biochemical changes in the brain. MRI cannot measure electrical activation, so B is incorrect. MRI is not based on x-ray techniques, so D is also incorrect. A is a potential advantage of functional MRI (fMRI), but it is not a difference between MRI and PET.

An Advantage of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Over Positron Emission