Neuroimaging

[Page 2259]Neuroimaging refers to a variety of noninvasive techniques that are used to measure tissue, bone, and brain structure and function in the study and diagnosis of neurological and affective conditions in the human body. The term brain imaging is often used synonymously with neuroimaging, but it typically reflects only the interest in understanding brain structure and function, thereby limiting the apparent utility of the variety of neuroimaging procedures. The neuroimaging techniques presented in this entry each requires highly specialized equipment and are routinely used in both clinical practice and research. Although each of these imaging methods can be used alone, many are used in combination and have significantly contributed to current understanding of how the brain and the body are structurally organized, the brain’s ...