Neuroimaging

Neuroimaging is an umbrella term referring to several techniques designed to study the structure and function of the nervous system. Structural [Page 1508]imaging is the application of neuroimaging techniques to mapping the physical makeup or the pharmacology of the nervous system; functional imaging is the application of neuroimaging techniques to measuring real-time neuronal activity in the brain. The measurement of the structure and function of the nervous system is important in understanding normal cognitive and emotional development as well as disorders and disease processes. This entry discusses the basic science involved in several structural and functional neuroimaging methods, common research and medical applications of the methods, and other aspects of their use.