Introduction

At first glance, MRI machines and the labaratories that produce MRI images seem like scenes from a science fiction movie. A technician analyzes data on a computer screen while periodically looking though a window into the exam room. Inside the exam room, a massive white machine clicks and hums around the patient.


Suddenly, images appear on the computer screen of whatever view of the patient that a doctor requests, whether it be the brain or the left foot.




Many people have been through an MRI examination, and many more have seen pictures from MRI, but few understand what MRI actually is. What does magnetism have to do with pictures of the body? What is the difference between an x-ray and an MRI? And what is actually going on while a patient lays down inside that huge machine? This site explains the basic concepts of MRI in order to answer these questions regarding this quickly evolving area of medicine.

Explanation of menu icons

Home This Page
History This is a basic timeline of the development of MRI and the people behind the technology.
MRI An explanation of what exactly MRI is and how it is used.
Exam A description of what happens during an MRI examination
X-Ray Explanation of how x-rays work and the advantages and disadvantages of MRIs as compared to x-rays.
Glossary Links to MRI glossary pages that may be helpful.
Links Several excellent links for further information.

Picture references

MRI Brain Pic: http://www.wakayamanet.or.jp/sishi/sinnai-introLR3.htm
MRI Machine Pic: http://www.davidm.net/