PET scan

Definition

A PET (positron emission tomography) scan is a neuroimaging technique that uses a radioactive tracer to measure brain activity by detecting the distribution of positrons emitted from the decay of the tracer.

Related terms

Radioactive tracer: A substance that emits positrons, which can be detected and used to map brain activity.

Neuroimaging: Techniques used to visualize and study the structure or function of the nervous system.

Positron: An elementary particle with positive charge emitted during radioactive decay.