Topic 14 Functional MRI

Functional MRI (i.e., fMRI) is MRI technology that measures brain activity via finding changes in blood flow.

Figure 14.1: Functional MRI Device and Images

This technology depends on the fact that blood flow to the cerebrum and neuronal activation are linked. When an area of the brain is used, blood flow to that area is also increased.

Figure 14.2: fMRI Images

The above graphic implies that the higher the neural activity, the higher the blood level and hence, the stronger the fMRI signal.