Which imaging modality uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to generate sectional images?

Which imaging modality uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to generate sectional images?

• A. Ultrasound
• B. Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• C. X-ray
• D. Computed Tomography

Answer: (B)

Magnetic Resonance Imaging uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to generate sectional images. The powerful magnet aligns hydrogen protons in the body, and a radiofrequency pulse tips these protons away from alignment. When the pulse ends, the protons realign and emit signals that are captured by coils; those signals are processed to form cross-sectional images in multiple planes. This method provides excellent soft-tissue contrast and does not involve ionizing radiation. In contrast, ultrasound relies on high-frequency sound waves, while X-ray and CT depend on ionizing radiation to create images.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to generate sectional images. The powerful magnet aligns hydrogen protons in the body, and a radiofrequency pulse tips these protons away from alignment. When the pulse ends, the protons realign and emit signals that are captured by coils; those signals are processed to form cross-sectional images in multiple planes. This method provides excellent soft-tissue contrast and does not involve ionizing radiation. In contrast, ultrasound relies on high-frequency sound waves, while X-ray and CT depend on ionizing radiation to create images.