Final answer:
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a neuroimaging technique that provides real-time imaging of brain activity by measuring changes in blood flow and oxygen levels, helping researchers study the functional aspects of the brain and compare it with those affected by psychological disorders.
Step-by-step explanation:
Functional magnetic resonance imaging, or fMRI, is a sophisticated, non-invasive neuroimaging tool that provides insights into the brain's activity by measuring changes in blood flow and oxygenation levels. Distinct from a standard MRI, which provides static images of internal tissues and organs, an fMRI offers dynamic images that capture cerebral activity over time. This advanced technique has been invaluable in mapping the workings of various brain regions, highlighting brain functionality associated with thought processes, motor control, and other activities. Researchers and medical professionals utilize fMRI to compare healthy brain structure and function with those affected by psychological disorders, aiding in understanding the structural and functional differences present.
MRI technology is based on nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), which showcases how an external magnetic field interacts with atomic nuclei, with a particular focus on hydrogen atoms. With fMRI, the change in blood flow correlates with nerve cell activity, revealing a blood oxygen-dependent signal that is captured and used to generate detailed brain scans.