WHAT IS fMRI: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses radio waves
and a strong magnetic field rather than X-rays to take clear and
detailed pictures of internal organs and tissues. fMRI or
functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging uses this technology to
identify regions of the brain where blood vessels are expanding,
chemical changes are taking place, or extra oxygen is being
delivered. These are indications that a particular part of the
brain is processing information and giving commands to the body.
As a patient performs a particular task, her metabolism will
increase in the brain area responsible for that task, changing
the signal in the image. Analyzing the images to understand how
responses are similar or different for different tasks allows
scientists to better understand the patient as an individual,
and also to learn more about the human brain in general. HOW THE
BRAIN PROCESSES MUSIC: When we listen to music, sound waves
enter the ear and cause specific parts in the middle and inner
ear to vibrate in resp