What is the function of a gamma camera in nuclear medicine?

The function of a gamma camera in nuclear medicine is to detect gamma rays. This specialized imaging device is used to visualize the distribution of radiopharmaceuticals within a patient’s body, which emit gamma radiation as they decay. The gamma camera captures this emitted radiation and converts it into images that allow healthcare professionals to assess the function and structure of organs and tissues.

This capability is crucial in diagnosing various medical conditions, monitoring the effectiveness of treatments, and guiding certain procedures. The design of the gamma camera includes a collimator that helps focus the gamma rays onto a detector, typically made of a scintillation crystal, which produces light in response to gamma photon interactions. This light is then converted into electrical signals and processed to create detailed images.

Other options presented do not relate to the function of a gamma camera. Measuring blood pressure, conducting biopsies, or performing ultrasound imaging are tasks associated with different medical instruments and practices, not nuclear medicine imaging. The distinct role of detecting gamma rays places the gamma camera as a central tool in nuclear medicine, emphasizing its importance in the field for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.