Question

FMRI scans differ from PET scans in that?

1) fMRI scans are slower at capturing images
2) fMRI scans produce more precise images
3) fMRI scans produce images of the living brain, whereas PET scans detect abnormalities in recently deceased persons
4) fMRI scans are used for humans, and PET scans are used on animals

Answer 1

fMRI scans produce more precise images and provide better accuracy in time than PET scans, without exposing the brain to radiation, making fMRI a safer and more detailed brain imaging technique. Both are used in living brains in both humans and animals.

Step-by-step explanation:

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) scans differ from Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans in that fMRI scans produce more precise images and provide better accuracy in time. While PET scans use a mildly radioactive tracer to monitor metabolic activity and blood flow in the brain, highlighting how different parts of the brain function during various activities, fMRI tracks changes in blood flow and oxygen levels, providing detailed images of brain structure and activity. In contrast to PET scans, fMRI does not expose the brain to radiation, offering a safer method for repeated scans, which is reflected in its wider usage today. It is important to note that both fMRI and PET scans are used to image the living brain and can be used in humans as well as animals depending on the research or clinical goals.