In radiology, specifically within the context of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), RF stands for Radiofrequency. Radiofrequency pulses are a crucial component of the MRI process. These pulses are only present during scanning, unlike the main static magnetic field.
Understanding Radiofrequency in MRI
Here's a breakdown of what radiofrequency energy does in MRI:
- Energy Exchange: Radiofrequency energy (with a frequency around 64 MHz, which lies between AM and FM radio frequencies) is exchanged with the patient's tissues.
- Image Creation: This energy exchange is fundamental to creating MR images.
In essence, RF pulses are the key to stimulating the body's tissues to emit signals that are then processed to form an MRI image. Without these radiofrequency pulses, MRI would not be possible.
