The technique of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) involves using a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the organs and tissues within the body.
Here's a breakdown of the MRI technique:
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Strong Magnetic Field: The patient lies inside a large, tube-shaped MRI machine, which generates a powerful magnetic field, much stronger than the Earth's magnetic field. This strong field aligns the protons (tiny particles within atoms) in the body.
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Radio Waves: Radio waves are then emitted by the MRI machine. These waves briefly knock the aligned protons out of alignment.
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Signal Detection: When the radio waves are turned off, the protons realign with the magnetic field, releasing signals that are detected by the MRI machine. These signals vary depending on the type of tissue and its environment.
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Image Creation: A computer processes these signals to create cross-sectional images of the body. These images can be viewed from different angles, and three-dimensional images can be constructed.
In simpler terms, the MRI uses magnetism and radio waves to "listen" to how different tissues in your body react, and then turns that information into a picture. It's a non-invasive imaging technique that allows doctors to see inside the body without using X-rays or other forms of ionizing radiation.
