Which imaging technique takes multiple images to create a moving picture of brain activity?

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) is the imaging technique that creates moving pictures of brain activity by taking multiple images over time. It measures brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow; when a specific area of the brain is more active, it consumes more oxygen, and fMRI captures these changes in blood oxygen levels. This allows for a dynamic representation of brain functions during various tasks or stimuli, effectively visualizing the brain in action.

In contrast, X-rays provide static images that primarily reveal structural issues within the body, such as fractures or abnormal growths. Ultrasound is a technique primarily used for visualizing soft tissues and organs and does not capture real-time brain activity. CT scans also produce static images, which slice through the body to provide layered views, typically used for detecting tumors or internal injuries, but they do not show brain function over time like fMRI does. This characteristic of fMRI makes it unique for studying brain activity in both clinical and research settings.