PET scans show areas of the _____ being activated during the process of forming an image.

• A. hippocampus
• B. temporal lobes
• C. parietal lobes
• D. visual cortex

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the context of the problem: PET scans are used to observe brain activity by detecting changes in blood flow, which indicates areas of the brain that are active during specific tasks.
2. Identify the task mentioned in the problem: The task is 'forming an image,' which involves visual processing.
3. Recall the function of each brain area listed: The hippocampus is involved in memory formation, the temporal lobes are associated with auditory processing and memory, and the parietal lobes are involved in spatial awareness and navigation.
4. Consider the visual cortex: The visual cortex, located in the occipital lobe, is primarily responsible for processing visual information.
5. Conclude that the visual cortex is the area activated during the process of forming an image, as it is directly involved in visual processing.