Get All You Really Need To Know About Mri Physics

The physics of MRI are complicated and much harder to understand than those underpinning image generation in plain radiography, CT or ultrasound. What follows is a very abbreviated, 'broad strokes' description of the process. Essentially, the process can be broken down into four parts: preparation.

MRI is a technique for visualizing tissues that takes use of the physical phenomenon of nuclear magnetic resonance, which is the union of quantum mechanics with classical electrodynamics, that uses the quantum-mechanical properties of the hydrogen atom to produce high resolution images that help with medical diagnosis.

MRIs employ powerful magnets which produce a strong magnetic field that forces protons in the body to align with that field. When a radiofrequency current is then pulsed through the patient, the protons are stimulated, and spin out of equilibrium, straining against the pull of the magnetic field.

0:20 3:12 MRI explained: How does it work? - YouTube YouTube Start of suggested clip End of suggested clip An additional powerful magnetic impulse deflects the water molecules out of alignment for a briefMoreAn additional powerful magnetic impulse deflects the water molecules out of alignment for a brief instant. Then they move back to their original.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging technique used in radiology to form pictures of the anatomy and the physiological processes of the body. MRI scanners use strong magnetic fields, magnetic field gradients, and radio waves to generate images of the organs in the body.

The tissue (image) contrast in MRI is determined by 3 things: density of 'mobile' protons, T1 characteristics, and T2 characteristics. Mobile protons basically mean fat and water protons; this number tends to be similar across different tissues.