How Does MRI Work?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive medical imaging technique that uses powerful magnets, radio waves, and a computer to produce detailed images of the organs and tissues within the body.
The process starts with the patient lying on a movable table, which is then inserted into a large cylindrical magnet. The strong magnetic field aligns the hydrogen atoms in the body's water molecules. Once aligned, radiofrequency pulses are sent into the body, disrupting this alignment.
When the radiofrequency pulse is turned off, the hydrogen atoms begin to relax back to their original alignment, releasing energy in the process. This energy is detected by the MRI scanner and converted into electrical signals.
A computer processes these signals to create high-resolution images of the internal structures of the body. Different tissues, such as muscles, fat, and fluids, respond differently to the magnetic field and radio waves, resulting in contrast that enhances the visualization of various anatomical details.
MRI is particularly useful for examining the brain, spinal cord, joints, and soft tissues, allowing for accurate diagnosis of conditions without the need for ionizing radiation, making it a safer alternative to methods like CT scans.