fMRItutkimukset

fMRItutkimukset, or functional magnetic resonance imaging studies, are a non-invasive neuroimaging technique used to measure brain activity. This method relies on the principle that active brain regions consume more oxygen. The fMRI scanner detects changes in blood oxygen levels, specifically the ratio of oxygenated to deoxygenated hemoglobin, which is known as the Blood-Oxygen-Level-Dependent (BOLD) signal. When a brain area becomes more active, it requires more oxygen, leading to an increase in blood flow to that area. The fMRI scanner can detect this subtle change in blood oxygenation.

During an fMRItutkimus, a participant is placed inside an MRI scanner. While inside, they may be asked to perform specific tasks, such as looking at images, listening to sounds, or thinking about certain things. The scanner then rapidly acquires a series of images, capturing the BOLD signal changes across the brain in response to these stimuli or cognitive processes. Researchers analyze these image sequences to identify which brain regions are activated during the task. This allows for the mapping of brain function and the understanding of neural networks involved in various cognitive, emotional, and motor processes. fMRItutkimukset are widely used in neuroscience research to investigate conditions like Alzheimer's disease, depression, and schizophrenia, as well as to explore fundamental questions about human cognition.