Which imaging technique provides information on blood flow and oxygen consumption in the brain?

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is the correct answer because it specifically measures brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow and oxygen consumption. This technique relies on the principle that when a specific brain area is activated, there is an increase in blood flow to that region, a response known as neurovascular coupling.

fMRI utilizes the BOLD (blood-oxygen-level-dependent) contrast, allowing it to assess both structural and functional changes in the brain by highlighting areas with higher consumption of oxygen. This unique ability makes fMRI particularly valuable in cognitive neuroscience research, helping to localize brain functions associated with tasks such as emotion, memory, and sensory processing.

In contrast, other imaging techniques do not provide detailed insights into blood flow and oxygen levels in the brain. X-rays primarily produce images of bone structures and are not suitable for assessing brain function, while computed tomography (CT) generates detailed structural images but lacks the functional monitoring capabilities of fMRI. Electromyography (EMG) is focused on measuring the electrical activity of muscles and does not relate to brain function or blood flow. Thus, fMRI stands out as the technique that uniquely connects brain activity with physiological changes in blood flow and oxygen consumption.