a scan which uses magnetic and radio waves, meaning that there is no exposure to X-rays or any other damaging forms of radiation. Radio waves 10,000 to 30,000 times stronger than the magnetic field of the earth are then sent through the body. This affects the body’s atoms, forcing the nuclei into a different position. As they move back into place they send out radio waves of their own. The scanner picks up these signals and a computer turns them into a picture. These pictures are based on the location and strength of the incoming signals. Using an MRI scanner, it is possible to make pictures of almost all the tissue in the body.
« Back to Glossary IndexMAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING
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