How MRI Works: Magnetic Fields, Radio Waves, and Tissue Contrast

In MRI (magnetic resonance imaging):

  1. A strong magnetic field aligns protons (hydrogen nuclei) in the body.
  2. A radiofrequency pulse flips proton spins, absorbing energy.
  3. When the pulse stops, protons realign, emitting a signal.

Signal strength depends on proton density. Water-rich tissues (blood, CSF) appear bright; fat-rich tissues (bone, muscle) appear dark. This contrast allows detailed imaging of soft tissues (brain, heart, kidneys) and diagnosis of cancer, stroke, heart disease.

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