Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is described as:

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is described as:

• A. Cross-sectional images using ionizing radiation
• B. Cross-sectional three dimensional imaging using a strong magnetic field and radio waves (no radiation)
• C. A 2D ultrasound imaging modality
• D. An imaging modality using gamma cameras

Answer: (B)

Magnetic resonance imaging uses a strong magnetic field and radiofrequency pulses to produce detailed images of soft tissues. The magnetic field aligns the body's protons, and RF energy perturbs them; as they realign, they emit signals that are collected and reconstructed into cross-sectional images. This method provides true three-dimensional datasets that can be viewed in multiple planes, giving high soft-tissue contrast without using ionizing radiation. It is not ultrasound, which uses sound waves, nor gamma-camera nuclear medicine imaging.

Magnetic resonance imaging uses a strong magnetic field and radiofrequency pulses to produce detailed images of soft tissues. The magnetic field aligns the body's protons, and RF energy perturbs them; as they realign, they emit signals that are collected and reconstructed into cross-sectional images. This method provides true three-dimensional datasets that can be viewed in multiple planes, giving high soft-tissue contrast without using ionizing radiation. It is not ultrasound, which uses sound waves, nor gamma-camera nuclear medicine imaging.