What is one primary function of a gamma camera in nuclear medicine?

The primary function of a gamma camera in nuclear medicine is to visualize the distribution of radiopharmaceuticals within the body. This imaging technique uses gamma rays emitted from radioactive materials that have been introduced into the patient, allowing health professionals to create images that reflect the functional processes occurring in organs and tissues.

The gamma camera detects the gamma radiation emitted from the radiopharmaceuticals and converts it into visible light, which is then captured and processed to create detailed images. These images are crucial for diagnosing various conditions, assessing organ functions, and guiding treatment decisions based on how well certain areas of the body are functioning.

Other options do not accurately describe the role of a gamma camera. Measuring blood pressure is unrelated and performed using sphygmomanometers or other cardiovascular monitoring devices. Taking X-ray images involves different equipment, such as X-ray machines, which utilize ionizing radiation and not the gamma radiation used in nuclear medicine. Performing surgical procedures is a task that falls under the domain of surgical tools and techniques, not imaging technology like a gamma camera.