What does fMRI stand for?

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a specialized type of MRI that measures and maps brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow. When a part of the brain is more active, it requires more oxygen, leading to changes in blood flow to that area. This concept is captured in the term "functional," as the technology evaluates brain function in response to stimuli or during various tasks.

This tool is crucial in both research and clinical settings, providing valuable insights into brain functioning, neural activity, and even aiding in the pre-surgical mapping of brain regions to avoid critical areas during surgery. The precise terminology employed is critical in distinguishing fMRI from other imaging techniques, as various types of MRI might focus on static structures rather than functional changes.