Question

Where is deoxygenated hemoglobin more likely to be found in the brain?

A) Active sites
B) Non-active sites
C) Both A and B
D) Neither A nor B

Answer 1

Deoxygenated hemoglobin is more likely to be found at non-active sites in the brain as active regions receive more oxygenated blood to meet higher oxygen demands.

Step-by-step explanation:

Deoxygenated hemoglobin is more likely to be found in non-active sites of the brain. When a particular region of the brain is active, it consumes more oxygen. This increased demand for oxygen leads to the blood flow being directed towards active sites to supply more oxygenated blood. Hemoglobin within the blood releases oxygen, which is used by the active nerve cells. This causes deoxygenated hemoglobin to increase in regions with low neural activity. Functional MRI, or fMRI, a technique that relies on detecting changes in blood flow and oxygen consumption, can measure the magnetic differences between oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin and is used for mapping brain activity.