MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) works by
harnessing the principles of physics and magnetic resonance to create detailed
images of the inside of the body. Here's a simplified explanation of how MRI
works:
1.
Alignment of Hydrogen Nuclei: MRI relies on the
behavior of hydrogen nuclei (protons) in the body, which are abundant in water
and fat molecules. When a person is placed inside the MRI machine, the powerful
magnetic field generated by the machine causes the protons in their body to
align with the magnetic field.
2.
Application of Radiofrequency Pulses: Radiofrequency
pulses are then applied to the body, which temporarily disrupt the alignment of
the protons. These pulses are emitted by coils within the MRI machine.
3.
Relaxation and Emission of Radiofrequency Signals: After the
radiofrequency pulse is turned off, the protons gradually realign with the
magnetic field. During this process, they emit radiofrequency signals that are detected
by the coils in the MRI machine.
4.
Spatial Encoding: By applying additional magnetic field gradients, the MRI
machine spatially encodes the emitted radiofrequency signals. These gradients
help determine the location within the body where the signals originated.
5.
Signal Processing and Image Reconstruction: The detected
radiofrequency signals are processed by a computer to reconstruct images of the
body. Sophisticated algorithms analyze the signals to create detailed images of
tissues, organs, and structures within the body.
6.
Image Display: The reconstructed images are displayed on a computer monitor
and can be interpreted by radiologists or other medical professionals to
diagnose various conditions or monitor the progression of diseases.
Overall, MRI provides
non-invasive, high-resolution images of the body's internal structures without
using ionizing radiation, making it a valuable tool in medical diagnosis and
research.
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