Which MRI technique is primarily used to visualize brain anatomy rather than function?

• A. Diffusion Tensor Imaging
• B. Structural MRI
• C. Functional MRI
• D. Positron Emission Tomography

Answer: (B)

Structural MRI is designed to show the brain’s anatomy in high detail. By using T1- and T2-weighted sequences, it provides crisp, static images that clearly delineate gray matter, white matter, and other anatomical landmarks, making it ideal for identifying structure, boundaries, and any lesions or abnormalities.

Other imaging methods focus on function or microstructure. Diffusion tensor imaging maps the diffusion of water to reveal white-matter pathways and connectivity, which is about how the brain is wired rather than just what it looks like. Functional MRI tracks changes in blood flow related to neural activity to show which areas are active during tasks or at rest, so it emphasizes function over anatomy. PET measures metabolic activity with radiotracers, again highlighting function rather than structural detail.