How well do we understand the neural origins of the fMRI BOLD signal?
The successful use of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) as a way of visualizing cortical function depends largely on the important relationships between the signal observed and the underlying neuronal activity that it is believed to represent. Currently, a relatively direct correlation seems to be favoured between fMRI signals and population synaptic activity (including inhibitory and excitatory activity), with a secondary and potentially more variable correlation with cellular action potentials.
Arthurs
Owen J
OJ
Wolfson Brain Imaging Centre, University of Cambridge, Box 65, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, CB2 2QQ, Cambridge, UK.
Boniface
Simon
S
D000200:Action Potentials / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000502:physiology*; D002560:Cerebrovascular Circulation / Q000502:physiology*; D019706:Excitatory Postsynaptic Potentials / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D009433:Neural Inhibition / Q000502:physiology; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000502:physiology*