Principles of Neuroimaging: Master the Basics of MRI, CT, and PET

Question 1

Which neuroimaging technique provides both structural and functional brain information simultaneously?

Accepted Answer

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Answer

Computed tomography (CT)

Answer

Positron emission tomography (PET)

Answer

Electroencephalography (EEG)

Question 2

In MRI, the main magnetic field responsible for tissue contrast is oriented in which direction?

Accepted Answer

Longitudinal

Answer

Transverse

Answer

Oblique

Answer

Radial

Question 3

What is the primary advantage of using contrast agents in CT scanning?

Accepted Answer

Enhanced detection of certain tissues

Answer

Improved image resolution

Answer

Reduced radiation exposure

Answer

Increased patient comfort

Question 4

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is an MRI technique that provides information primarily about:

Accepted Answer

Brain connectivity

Answer

Brain metabolism

Answer

Brain blood flow

Answer

Brain electrical activity

Question 5

How does fMRI measure brain function?

Accepted Answer

By detecting changes in blood oxygenation levels

Answer

By measuring electrical activity in the brain

Answer

By tracking the movement of neurotransmitters

Answer

By visualizing brain structures

Question 6

What is a key characteristic that distinguishes MRI from CT scans?

Accepted Answer

MRI employs magnetic fields, while CT utilizes X-rays.

Answer

CT scans provide superior anatomical details compared to MRI.

Answer

MRI is considerably more expensive than CT scans.

Answer

MRI scanners are less prevalent than CT scanners.

Question 7

Which neuroimaging modality is primarily employed to measure brain activity?

Accepted Answer

Positron emission tomography (PET)

Answer

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Answer

Computed tomography (CT)

Answer

Electroencephalography (EEG)

Question 8

Which of the following is not considered a benefit of neuroimaging?

Accepted Answer

High economic burden

Answer

Enhanced accuracy in diagnosis

Answer

Non-invasive nature

Answer

Monitoring disease progression

Question 9

Which neuroimaging method allows for the evaluation of both brain structure and activity?

Accepted Answer

MRI

Answer

CT

Answer

PET

Answer

SPECT

Question 10

What is the purpose of contrast agents in neuroimaging?

Accepted Answer

To enhance the visibility of specific tissues

Answer

To reduce motion-induced artifacts

Answer

To calibrate the imaging equipment

Answer

To minimize radiation exposure

Question 11

What is the primary advantage of multi-modal neuroimaging?

Accepted Answer

Provides comprehensive insights into brain structure and function

Answer

Reduces the requirement for multiple scans

Answer

Lowers the overall cost of neuroimaging

Answer

Enhances patient comfort

Question 12

What is the primary application of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)?

Accepted Answer

Neuromodulation

Answer

Brain mapping

Answer

Neurorehabilitation

Answer

Diagnostic testing

Question 13

A patient experiences difficulty with balance and speaking. Which neuroimaging technique would best reveal the underlying cause?

Accepted Answer

MRI

Answer

X-ray

Answer

CT

Answer

PET

Question 14

Which neuroimaging technique measures the diffusion of water molecules to reveal brain connectivity?

Accepted Answer

Diffusion tensor imaging

Answer

Functional near-infrared spectroscopy

Answer

Magnetoencephalography

Answer

Positron emission tomography

Question 15

In CT scans, what type of radiation is used to generate images?

Accepted Answer

X-rays

Answer

Gamma rays

Answer

Ultrasound

Answer

Magnetic fields

Question 16

Distinguish between T1 and T2 relaxation times. Explain the difference in their definitions.

Accepted Answer

T1 represents the time for protons to realign with the magnetic field, while T2 represents the time for protons to lose energy.

Answer

T2 represents the time for protons to realign with the magnetic field, while T1 represents the time for protons to lose energy.

Answer

T1 and T2 relaxation times are identical concepts.

Answer

T1 represents the time for protons to lose energy, while T2 represents the time for protons to regain energy.

Question 17

Describe a key characteristic of functional MRI (fMRI).

Accepted Answer

Quantifies changes in blood flow

Answer

Employs a radioactive tracer

Answer

Can simultaneously image the entire brain

Answer

Not suitable for clinical applications

Question 18

Which component is not essential in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner?

Accepted Answer

X-ray tube

Answer

Magnet

Answer

Radiofrequency coils

Answer

Computer

Question 19

What is the primary mechanism by which computed tomography (CT) scanners generate images?

Accepted Answer

X-ray absorption

Answer

Magnetic resonance

Answer

Positron emission

Answer

Ultrasound reflection

Question 20

Which radioactive isotope is commonly used in positron emission tomography (PET) to label tracers?

Accepted Answer

Carbon-11

Answer

Hydrogen-1

Answer

Oxygen-15

Answer

Iodine-123

Question 21

What is the primary application of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in neuroscience research?

Accepted Answer

Measuring brain activity

Answer

Mapping brain structures

Answer

Diagnosing neurological disorders

Answer

Monitoring brain development

Question 22

Which technique is used to combine data from multiple neuroimaging modalities?

Accepted Answer

Voxel-based morphometry

Answer

Diffusion tensor imaging

Answer

Tractography

Answer

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Question 23

Which ethical consideration is of paramount importance when conducting neuroimaging research involving human subjects?

Accepted Answer

Informed consent

Answer

Data privacy

Answer

Conflict of interest

Answer

Animal welfare

Question 24

Which of the following is not a foundational principle of neuroimaging?

Accepted Answer

Biology

Answer

Physics

Answer

Instrumentation

Answer

Applications

Question 25

Among the following neuroimaging modalities, which offers the highest spatial resolution?

Accepted Answer

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Answer

Computed Tomography (CT)

Answer

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

Answer

Electroencephalography (EEG)

Question 26

In Computed Tomography (CT) neuroimaging, which type of radiation is employed?

Accepted Answer

X-rays

Answer

Gamma rays

Answer

Radio waves

Answer

Ultrasound

Question 27

What is the primary function of a contrast agent in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)?

Accepted Answer

Enhancing the visibility of specific tissues in the brain

Answer

Restricting blood flow within the brain

Answer

Reducing background noise in the resulting images

Answer

Calibrating the MRI scanner for optimal performance

Question 28

When comparing Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for studying brain function, which of the following is an advantage of PET?

Accepted Answer

Capacity to measure neurotransmitter activity

Answer

Superior spatial resolution

Answer

Enhanced temporal resolution

Answer

Lower acquisition cost

Question 29

Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) stands out from conventional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) due to its ability to provide:

Accepted Answer

Insights into the directional diffusion of water molecules in the brain

Answer

Images with a significantly higher magnetic field strength

Answer

Enhanced sensitivity through the use of specialized contrast agents

Answer

Exclusive applicability in clinical settings

Question 30

In neuroimaging, which advantage of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) over computed tomography (CT) is particularly valuable when patient movement is a concern?

Accepted Answer

MRI is less susceptible to motion artifacts

Answer

MRI has higher spatial resolution than CT

Answer

MRI provides information about brain function, unlike CT

Answer

MRI is faster than CT, allowing for shorter scan times

Question 31

Which of the following is NOT a major type of neuroimaging technique commonly used in clinical practice and neuroscience research?

Accepted Answer

Ultrasound

Answer

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Answer

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

Answer

Computed Tomography (CT)

Question 32

In Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), the contrast between different brain regions arises primarily from differences in the relaxation times of which subatomic particles?

Accepted Answer

Protons

Answer

Electrons

Answer

Photons

Answer

Neutrons

Question 33

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) measures brain activity by detecting the emission of which type of particles?

Accepted Answer

Positrons

Answer

Electrons

Answer

Photons

Answer

Neutrons

Question 34

Which neuroimaging technique utilizes radiofrequency pulses and magnetic fields to produce images of the brain?

Accepted Answer

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Answer

Computerized Tomography (CT)

Answer

Electroencephalography (EEG)

Answer

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

Question 35

In CT scans, which component emits X-rays?

Accepted Answer

X-ray tube

Answer

Detector array

Answer

Gantry

Answer

Console

Question 36

In PET scans, what is the primary radioactive tracer used?

Accepted Answer

Fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)

Answer

Technetium-99m

Answer

Iodine-131

Answer

Gallium-67

Question 37

Which neuroimaging technique measures brain activity indirectly by detecting changes in blood flow?

Accepted Answer

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)

Answer

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

Answer

Electroencephalography (EEG)

Answer

Magnetoencephalography (MEG)

Question 38

What is a key advantage of using a contrast agent in MRI?

Accepted Answer

Enhancing the visibility and differentiation of specific tissues or structures

Answer

Increasing the spatial resolution of the image

Answer

Reducing the acquisition time of the scan

Question 39

Which type of CT scan involves capturing a series of cross-sectional images perpendicular to the long axis of the body?

Accepted Answer

Axial CT

Answer

Sagittal CT

Answer

Oblique CT

Answer

Coronal CT

Question 40

In CT scans, what is the primary role of attenuation?

Accepted Answer

Determining the density and composition of different tissues

Answer

Detecting the X-rays after passing through the body

Answer

Generating the X-ray beam

Answer

Reconstructing the images from raw data

Question 41

Which advanced MRI technique is commonly used to create three-dimensional images of blood vessels?

Accepted Answer

Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)

Answer

Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS)

Answer

Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI)

Question 42

Which of the following techniques is not covered in the unit on Principles of Neuroimaging?

Accepted Answer

Electroencephalography (EEG)

Answer

Computed Tomography (CT)

Answer

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Question 43

What is the fundamental physical principle that underlies Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)?

Accepted Answer

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

Answer

X-ray absorption

Answer

Electrical activity

Answer

Radioactive decay

Question 44

In neuroscience research, Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is primarily used for:

Accepted Answer

Measuring brain metabolism

Answer

Studying brain connectivity

Answer

Visualizing brain anatomy

Answer

Detecting brain tumors

Question 45

What is considered a major limitation of CT in the context of brain imaging?

Accepted Answer

Exposure to ionizing radiation

Answer

Poor spatial resolution

Answer

Motion artifacts

Answer

Requirement for contrast agents

Question 46

What is the fundamental difference between structural and functional neuroimaging techniques?

Accepted Answer

Structural techniques measure brain anatomy, while functional techniques measure brain activity.

Answer

Structural techniques use ionizing radiation, while functional techniques do not.

Answer

Structural techniques have higher spatial resolution than functional techniques.

Question 47

In CT scans, which contrast agent is commonly employed?

Accepted Answer

Iodine

Answer

Gadolinium

Answer

Iron oxide

Answer

Fludeoxyglucose

Question 48

What is the primary benefit of using multimodal neuroimaging approaches?

Accepted Answer

Combining information from multiple techniques provides a more comprehensive understanding of brain function and structure.

Answer

Multimodal approaches reduce the necessity for multiple scans.

Answer

Multimodal approaches are less expensive than single-modality approaches.

Question 49

Which neuroimaging technique utilizes the detection of radioactive isotopes emitted from a tracer injected into the bloodstream to create images of brain activity?

Accepted Answer

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

Answer

Computed Tomography (CT)

Answer

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Question 50

A patient presents with symptoms suggestive of an acute stroke. Considering the need for rapid diagnosis and assessment of potential brain damage, which neuroimaging technique would be the most appropriate initial choice?

Accepted Answer

Computed Tomography (CT)

Answer

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

Answer

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)

Answer

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Question 51

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) relies on a fundamental physical phenomenon to generate images of the brain. What is this phenomenon?

Accepted Answer

The alignment of protons in water molecules within the body when placed in a strong magnetic field.

Answer

The detection of radioactive isotopes emitted from a tracer injected into the bloodstream.

Answer

The absorption and emission of X-rays by tissues of different densities.

Question 52

Which neuroimaging technique is best suited for visualizing the dynamic changes in brain activity associated with specific cognitive tasks, such as language processing or memory formation?

Accepted Answer

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)

Answer

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

Answer

Computed Tomography (CT)

Answer

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Question 53

A researcher aims to investigate the role of specific neurotransmitters, such as dopamine or serotonin, in memory consolidation. Which neuroimaging technique would be most suitable for this research question?

Accepted Answer

Positron Emission Tomography (PET)

Answer

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Answer

Computed Tomography (CT)

Answer

Electroencephalography (EEG)

Question 54

In the acute management of a suspected stroke, Computed Tomography (CT) is often preferred over Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). What is the primary advantage of CT in this specific clinical context?

Accepted Answer

CT provides faster image acquisition, enabling more rapid diagnosis and decision-making.

Answer

CT offers higher spatial resolution than MRI for visualizing brain structures.

Answer

CT is less susceptible to patient movement artifacts compared to MRI.

Question 55

Which of the following statements most accurately describes the spatial resolution capabilities of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)?

Accepted Answer

MRI provides high spatial resolution, allowing for detailed visualization of fine brain structures and anatomical features.

Answer

MRI's spatial resolution is comparable to that of Computed Tomography (CT).

Answer

MRI has low spatial resolution, making it unsuitable for studying brain anatomy.

Question 56

Compared to other neuroimaging techniques like fMRI or PET, Electroencephalography (EEG) has a significant limitation. What is this primary limitation?

Accepted Answer

EEG has poor spatial resolution, making it challenging to precisely localize the origin of neural activity within the brain.

Answer

EEG requires the use of radioactive tracers, which can pose risks to patient safety.

Answer

EEG is unable to provide real-time information about brain activity.

Question 57

A patient is suspected of having Alzheimer's disease. Which neuroimaging technique would be most effective in visualizing and assessing the presence of amyloid plaques in the brain, a hallmark of the disease?

Accepted Answer

Positron Emission Tomography (PET) using amyloid-specific tracers.

Answer

Computed Tomography (CT)

Answer

Electroencephalography (EEG)

Answer

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)