Which imaging technique shows brain activity by detecting a radioactive form of glucose as tasks are performed?

Which imaging technique shows brain activity by detecting a radioactive form of glucose as tasks are performed?

• A. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan
• B. CT Scan
• C. MRI
• D. EEG

Answer: (A)

Measuring brain activity through metabolic imaging by tracking how neurons use glucose. A PET scan uses a radioactive glucose analog injected into the bloodstream. When neurons are more active, they consume more glucose, so those regions take up more tracer. The radioactive component emits signals that a PET scanner detects, producing a map of metabolic activity as tasks are performed. CT and MRI primarily reveal structure and anatomy, not metabolic changes. EEG records electrical activity on the scalp, not metabolic demand. Functional MRI can show brain activity via blood flow rather than a radioactive glucose tracer.

Measuring brain activity through metabolic imaging by tracking how neurons use glucose. A PET scan uses a radioactive glucose analog injected into the bloodstream. When neurons are more active, they consume more glucose, so those regions take up more tracer. The radioactive component emits signals that a PET scanner detects, producing a map of metabolic activity as tasks are performed.

CT and MRI primarily reveal structure and anatomy, not metabolic changes. EEG records electrical activity on the scalp, not metabolic demand. Functional MRI can show brain activity via blood flow rather than a radioactive glucose tracer.