Nuclear medicine employs tiny quantities of radioactive material, also referred to as what?

Nuclear medicine utilizes small amounts of radioactive materials known as tracers. These tracers are designed to emit radiation that can be detected by specialized imaging equipment to create detailed images of the internal structures and functions of the body.

Tracers are chosen based on their ability to bind to specific organs, tissues, or cells, allowing medical professionals to assess functions such as blood flow, metabolism, or the presence of disease. The radioactive properties of these materials enable them to be monitored, providing valuable diagnostic information about various conditions.

In contrast, the other terms provided have different roles in medical imaging or treatment. Markers, while similar in concept, generally refer to substances used for identifying specific conditions or biological markers rather than for imaging purposes. Inhibitors refer to agents that slow down or stop biological processes, often used in pharmacology rather than imaging. Contrast agents, on the other hand, are used in other imaging modalities like X-rays and CT scans to enhance the visibility of structures but do not possess radioactive properties like tracers used in nuclear medicine.