FMRI

fMRI or Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a neuroimaging technique that allows for the observation of brain activity. This is achieved by detecting changes in blood flow in the brain, which are associated with neural activity. fMRI is a non-invasive procedure and is one of the most common methods used in cognitive neuroscience to study the brain's function.

Overview

fMRI works by detecting the changes in blood oxygenation and flow that occur in response to neural activity. When a brain area is more active it consumes more oxygen and to meet this increased demand blood flow increases to the active area. fMRI can be used to produce activation maps showing which parts of the brain are involved in a particular mental process.

History

The development of fMRI was a significant breakthrough in the field of neuroscience. The technique was first developed in the early 1990s, building on the principles of MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), a technique that had been in use for several decades prior.

Applications

fMRI has many applications in the field of cognitive neuroscience, including:

• Studying the brain's functional organization
• Assessing the effects of stroke or other diseases on brain function
• Monitoring the growth and function of brain tumors
• Researching the neural basis of mental disorders
• Pre-surgical planning

Limitations

While fMRI is a powerful tool, it is not without its limitations. These include:

• The need for the subject to remain still during scanning
• The relatively high cost of fMRI scanning
• The inability to determine the absolute levels of neural activity
• The difficulty in distinguishing between different types of neural activity

See Also

• Neuroimaging
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• MRI
• Brain
• Stroke
• Mental Disorders

FMRI Resources
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