Functional imaging techniques

Functional imaging techniques are advanced medical methods that visualize brain activity and other physiological functions in real-time. They work by measuring changes in blood flow, oxygen use, or metabolic activity, which occur when specific areas of the brain or organs are active. Common examples include fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging), which tracks blood oxygen levels to map brain activity, and PET scans, which detect radioactive tracers to observe metabolic processes. These tools help researchers and clinicians understand how different parts of the body function during various tasks or in response to certain conditions.