Which imaging technique is described as producing colour images of brain structure, activity and function?

Which imaging technique is described as producing colour images of brain structure, activity and function?

• A. Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
• B. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• C. Computerised Tomography (CT)
• D. Electrical Stimulation of the Brain (ESB)

Answer: (A)

This item is about imaging techniques that show brain activity as colour maps. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) uses a radiotracer to measure metabolic activity in different brain regions. Regions with higher metabolic activity take up more tracer and are displayed on colour scales, producing vivid colour images that reflect brain function. While PET can be paired with structural scans to relate activity to anatomy, its standout feature is these colour-coded maps of functioning brain tissue. MRI mainly provides detailed structural images, and functional MRI shows activity with color overlays on anatomy but is not typically described as the same kind of colour map used for metabolic activity alone. CT gives only structural images, and Electrical Stimulation of the Brain is an invasive method used to evoke responses, not an imaging technique.

This item is about imaging techniques that show brain activity as colour maps. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) uses a radiotracer to measure metabolic activity in different brain regions. Regions with higher metabolic activity take up more tracer and are displayed on colour scales, producing vivid colour images that reflect brain function. While PET can be paired with structural scans to relate activity to anatomy, its standout feature is these colour-coded maps of functioning brain tissue. MRI mainly provides detailed structural images, and functional MRI shows activity with color overlays on anatomy but is not typically described as the same kind of colour map used for metabolic activity alone. CT gives only structural images, and Electrical Stimulation of the Brain is an invasive method used to evoke responses, not an imaging technique.