The basic principles of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) involve the use of strong magnetic fields and radio waves to generate images of the body’s internal structures.
The process begins with the patient being positioned inside a large, tube-shaped scanner that houses the MRI machine. The scanner generates a powerful magnetic field that aligns the protons in the body’s tissues.
Radio waves are then applied to the body, which cause the protons to emit energy signals. These signals are detected by the scanner and analyzed by a computer to generate detailed images of the body’s internal structures.
The images produced by MRI are based on the behavior of hydrogen atoms in the body’s tissues. Hydrogen atoms are abundant in the body, particularly in water and fat molecules, and are therefore ideal for imaging purposes.
By varying the strength and orientation of the magnetic field, and the timing and frequency of the radio waves, different tissues can be selectively imaged. The resulting images can reveal detailed information about the size, shape, and composition of internal structures, making MRI a valuable tool for diagnosing a wide range of medical conditions.