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How does MRI work step by step?

Published in Medical Imaging 2 mins read

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) works by using a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the organs and tissues in your body. Here's a step-by-step explanation:

  1. Lying in the Machine: You lie inside a large, tube-shaped MRI machine, which is essentially a powerful magnet.
  2. Magnetic Field Alignment: The strong magnetic field inside the MRI machine aligns the hydrogen atoms in your body. These atoms act like tiny magnets.
  3. Radio Wave Pulses: The MRI machine emits radio waves. These radio waves disrupt the alignment of the hydrogen atoms.
  4. Signal Emission: When the radio waves are turned off, the hydrogen atoms return to their original alignment, emitting signals in the process.
  5. Signal Detection: The MRI machine detects these signals.
  6. Image Creation: A computer processes these signals to create cross-sectional images or "slices" of your body, similar to slices of bread. According to existing information, "When you lie inside an MRI machine, the magnetic field inside works with radio waves and hydrogen atoms in your body to create cross-sectional images".

In summary, MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves to interact with hydrogen atoms in your body, generating signals that are then converted into detailed images.

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