Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Flow refers to the movement or circulation of a substance, such as blood or air, within the body. In the context of brain imaging, flow specifically refers to the movement of blood within the brain.
Related terms
Cerebral Blood Flow: Cerebral blood flow refers to the amount of blood that reaches different regions of the brain. It is essential for supplying oxygen and nutrients to support neural activity.
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI): fMRI is an imaging technique that measures changes in blood flow in specific brain regions during various tasks or stimuli. It provides information about which areas are active during certain mental processes.
PET is another imaging technique used to measure cerebral blood flow by tracking radioactive tracers injected into the bloodstream. It helps identify regions with increased metabolic activity in the brain.