During an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan, your body is placed in a strong magnetic field and exposed to radio waves, allowing doctors to create detailed images of your internal structures. Here's a breakdown of what occurs:
Aligning Protons
When you lie inside the MRI machine, a powerful magnetic field is generated. This magnetic field causes the protons (tiny particles within atoms) in your body, which are normally randomly oriented, to align with the magnetic field, much like a compass needle pointing north. You won't feel this alignment process.
Radio Wave Pulses
Short bursts of radio waves are then emitted towards the specific area of your body being scanned. These radio waves momentarily knock the aligned protons out of alignment.
Signal Detection
When the radio wave pulse stops, the protons realign with the magnetic field. As they realign, they emit signals that are detected by the MRI machine's sensors. These signals vary depending on the type of tissue and its environment.
Image Creation
A computer processes the signals received from the protons and uses this information to create detailed cross-sectional images of your body. These images can be viewed from different angles, providing comprehensive insights into your internal organs and tissues.
Summary of Steps:
- Positioning: You lie down inside the MRI machine.
- Magnetic Field Alignment: Protons in your body align with the strong magnetic field.
- Radio Wave Pulses: Radio waves are emitted, disrupting the proton alignment.
- Signal Emission: Protons realign, emitting signals.
- Image Processing: The MRI machine detects and processes these signals to create images.
In essence, an MRI uses magnetism and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the inside of your body without using ionizing radiation (like X-rays).
