Final answer:
Functional MRI (fMRI) is an imaging technique used to measure and map changes in blood flow in the brain, indicative of neural activity, by detecting the different magnetic properties of oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin in blood.
Step-by-step explanation:
The functional MRI (fMRI) is a brain imaging technique that measures changes in blood flow to different parts of the brain. These changes are indicative of neural activity, as areas of the brain that are more active require more oxygen and thus greater blood flow.
Hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying component of blood, has different magnetic properties when it is oxygenated compared to when it is deoxygenated. The fMRI takes advantage of this by using magnetic fields to detect these differences and map brain activity.
Unlike traditional MRI, fMRI can capture dynamic changes in the brain, providing a real-time picture of the brain at work. This is especially useful in research and clinical settings for understanding brain function and diagnosing conditions. It offers more detailed images than PET scans and does not require exposure to radiation, making it a safer and more precise tool for brain imaging.