Which imaging technique is commonly used to identify which brain regions are active during emotional tasks (e.g., guilt)?

Which imaging technique is commonly used to identify which brain regions are active during emotional tasks (e.g., guilt)?

• A. MRI
• B. PET
• C. CT
• D. Ultrasound

Answer: (B)

To see which brain areas respond during emotional tasks, researchers look at functional imaging that reveals metabolic activity. PET does this by using a radiotracer (like FDG) that neurons take up when they’re active. Regions engaged in processing emotion—such as guilt—show higher tracer uptake and light up on the scan, mapping the areas involved. This metabolic measure provides a direct look at activity across the brain during the task. MRI, by contrast, is mainly used for structural images unless specified as functional MRI, which infers activity from blood flow changes rather than direct metabolic signals. CT is primarily structural and ultrasound isn't used for mapping deep brain activity.

To see which brain areas respond during emotional tasks, researchers look at functional imaging that reveals metabolic activity. PET does this by using a radiotracer (like FDG) that neurons take up when they’re active. Regions engaged in processing emotion—such as guilt—show higher tracer uptake and light up on the scan, mapping the areas involved. This metabolic measure provides a direct look at activity across the brain during the task.

MRI, by contrast, is mainly used for structural images unless specified as functional MRI, which infers activity from blood flow changes rather than direct metabolic signals. CT is primarily structural and ultrasound isn't used for mapping deep brain activity.