Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging technique used in radiology to form pictures of the inside of the body. MRI uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images of organs, soft tissues, bone and other internal structures. MRI does not use ionizing radiation, making it a safe imaging modality for children and pregnant women.
MRI is especially useful for brain and spinal cord imaging, as it can provide clear images of these delicate structures without the use of harmful ionizing radiation. MRI is also used to image the heart and blood vessels, as well as cancerous tumors.
The first human MRI scan was performed in 1977, and since then MRI has become an essential tool in medicine. With the advent of newer and more powerful MRI scanners, ever-more detailed images of the human body can be obtained, providing invaluable information for diagnosis and treatment planning.