Final answer:
A technologist can use a PET scan and radioactive material to visualize brain activity, as it allows them to monitor the physiological function and metabolic processes by detecting the use of a radiotracer by body tissues.
Step-by-step explanation:
A technologist can use a PET scan and radioactive material, which the patient ingested, to visualize brain activity. This medical imaging technique involves injecting or having the patient inhale a positron-emitting radioisotope, which is a type of radiotracer. The PET scan detects how this tracer is utilized by tissues in the body, providing insights into the physiological function and metabolic processes occurring within organs, particularly the brain. This advanced imaging allows for the evaluation of various conditions, including how actively different regions of the brain are working during certain behaviors or tasks.
PET scans differ from other imaging techniques like CT (computed tomography) scans and MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging), as they illustrate active blood flow and physiological activity, not just static images. This capacity to observe functional processes makes PET scans especially useful for diagnosing a range of medical conditions like heart disease, cancer spread, brain disorders, and more.