A1 Understand health issues page 38 Flashcards
What does an MRI scanner use to produce images of the human body?
An MRI scanner uses large magnets and electromagnets to create strong magnetic fields that polarise nuclei, particularly hydrogen atoms, in the body.
What role do hydrogen atoms play in MRI imaging?
Hydrogen atoms are crucial for MRI imaging because their nuclei, which consist of a single proton, can be easily polarised and affected by magnetic fields.
What are the main components of an MRI scanner?
The main components of an MRI scanner include the main magnet, MRI scanner coils, radiofrequency coils, and the output signal receiver.
What is the function of the main magnet in an MRI scanner?
The main magnet is a large, permanent, superconducting electromagnet that creates the strong magnetic field needed for the scan.
What do MRI scanner coils do during an MRI scan?
MRI scanner coils produce a gradient field, allowing for the pinpointing of signals from different areas of the body during the scan.
What are radiofrequency coils in an MRI scanner used for?
Radiofrequency coils produce radio waves that excite the nuclei of hydrogen atoms, generating the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signal used in imaging.
How is the output signal from the MRI processed?
The output signal receiver picks up the radio waves emitted by the resonating protons, and the information is processed by a computer to create the images.
