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Neural and BOLD responses across the brain.
Jozien Goense1, Kevin Whittingstall1, Nikos K Logothetis1,2
1Department of Physiology of Cognitive Processes, Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Tübingen, Germany.
Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews. Cognitive Science
|August 25, 2015
Summary
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) measures brain activity using the blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) signal. This review clarifies the BOLD signal
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Neuroimaging
Background:
- Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) is a key tool for human brain studies.
- The precise nature of the blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) signal remains unclear.
- Electrophysiological methods (single neuron recordings, electroencephalography) have long informed brain function understanding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the current understanding of the BOLD signal's interpretation.
- To compare fMRI BOLD signals with electrophysiological measures of neural activity.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on fMRI and electrophysiology.
- Discussion of the relationship between hemodynamic responses and neural processes.
Main Results:
- The exact contribution of various neural processes to the BOLD signal is not fully understood.
- Electrophysiological techniques sample only a subset of neural activity, with unknown signal contributions.
- Functional imaging signals are linked to cellular metabolic demands, but drivers of the hemodynamic response are poorly characterized.
Conclusions:
- Further research is needed to precisely interpret the BOLD signal in relation to neural activity.
- Understanding the BOLD signal's link to electrophysiology is crucial for advancing cognitive neuroscience.
- Bridging the gap between imaging and electrophysiological data will enhance our comprehension of brain function.
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