Magnetic Resonance Imaging Essay
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging technology that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create graphic images of the body’s anatomical and internal structures (1). MRI relies primarily on the protons in fat and water molecules of the body, as these protons respond to the static magnetic field created in ways that allows for a high quality image to be generated (2). These images contrasts specific tissue and different anatomical structures. For example, MRI can reveal the gray and white matter in the brain, diagnose brain tumors and inflammation in certain body parts, and can create images of the spine, joints, abdomen, lungs--numerous parts of the body (2). .
First, MRI relies heavily on electromagnetic energy, …show more content…
This difference is because each of these tissues have different magnetic properties. For example, tissues that are not healthy react differently to the radio frequencies compared to tissues that are healthy. Due to the vast amount of protons present in the body in water and fat, a clearer image is produced.The image that is created can have different contrasts and this is due to the contrasts agents that are used. Most contrasts agents contain the element Gadolinium and is given to a patient intravenously (6). These agents help to advance the rate at which protons realign with the magnetic field and in turn, produce a brighter image …show more content…
Ionizing radiation is radiation that can damage DNA and increase the risk of cancer tremendously. This form of radiation involves high-energy photons being absorbed by the body and penetrating the DNA (8). MRI differs from this because it uses non-ionizing radiation in the form of magnetic fields and radio waves and this type of radiation has not been linked to cancer yet. However, it is notable that most non-ionizing radiation is heat and patients run the risk of burns if they have metals or implants in their bodies.
In the final analysis, the MRI scanner is a powerful machinery generating an incredibly strong electromagnetic field. In fact, the MRI’s magnetic field is, “1000-4000 times stronger than the earth’s magnetic field” (10). The magnetic field serves the purpose of aligning the hydrogen protons in tissue, and calculating the energy changes and the realignment time. It is more effective because there is no risk of cancer associated with it and it can analyze a wide range of
First, MRI relies heavily on electromagnetic energy, …show more content…
This difference is because each of these tissues have different magnetic properties. For example, tissues that are not healthy react differently to the radio frequencies compared to tissues that are healthy. Due to the vast amount of protons present in the body in water and fat, a clearer image is produced.The image that is created can have different contrasts and this is due to the contrasts agents that are used. Most contrasts agents contain the element Gadolinium and is given to a patient intravenously (6). These agents help to advance the rate at which protons realign with the magnetic field and in turn, produce a brighter image …show more content…
Ionizing radiation is radiation that can damage DNA and increase the risk of cancer tremendously. This form of radiation involves high-energy photons being absorbed by the body and penetrating the DNA (8). MRI differs from this because it uses non-ionizing radiation in the form of magnetic fields and radio waves and this type of radiation has not been linked to cancer yet. However, it is notable that most non-ionizing radiation is heat and patients run the risk of burns if they have metals or implants in their bodies.
In the final analysis, the MRI scanner is a powerful machinery generating an incredibly strong electromagnetic field. In fact, the MRI’s magnetic field is, “1000-4000 times stronger than the earth’s magnetic field” (10). The magnetic field serves the purpose of aligning the hydrogen protons in tissue, and calculating the energy changes and the realignment time. It is more effective because there is no risk of cancer associated with it and it can analyze a wide range of