In medicine, a large number of instrumental methods of research are used, some of which are, in fact, universal, which allows you to diagnose many pathologies from various classification groups of human diseases. Such is the MRI device, which allows you to visualize body tissue without using radiation exposure. However, what is an MRI and what is the structure of the apparatus, its principle of operation, a small number of people know. But such ignorance does not prevent most patients from undergoing such diagnostic procedures.
MR scanner structure and principle of operation
The apparatus for MRI imaging is a large magnet. The human body is in its cavity, which is protected by a plastic case. Moreover, such a study of tissues does not lead to the onset of pathological conditions, because it does not ionize the substances that form the basis of the body structure. The strong magnetic field of the device acts directly on the protons. These particles are hydrogen ions that are part of water - the most common substance in the human body.
The water content in different tissues of the human body has its own differences. The smallest amount of it is in the bones and connective tissue, while muscle and fat are characterized by a higher concentration of fluid. The brain tissue, as well as the parenchyma of the internal organs, also differ in these indicators. Moreover, due to the difference in the water content, the construction of boundaries between dissimilar tissues in a virtual image is achieved, which is formed after a signal is sent to a computer.
However, what is an MRI, on the basis of what physical principle does this device function? This type of differentiation of the structure of the human body is realized due to the mechanism of action of water molecules. They are dipoles, which in a magnetic field take a certain type of orientation. The MRI cycle itself consists in creating a magnetic field and conditions for streamlining the arrangement of water molecules, after which a radio wave is launched along the magnetic field, causing the molecules to vibrate, which are amplified by the resulting resonance.
MRI of the head, brain examination
In the diagnosis of diseases and degenerative lesions of the brain, MRI is of great importance, because it allows with a high degree of probability to determine the exact location of the process, the amount of damage or neoplasm, to identify the vessel in which the thrombus is located. Moreover, the main approach to this study is not how to diagnose, because the basis of tomography is the question “what?” and the answer to it. Such an MRI scan made after a preliminary diagnosis makes it possible to increase the information content of the study, because the doctor already suggests what exactly he will be looking for. Moreover, among the target pathologies that can be detected by MR imaging of the brain, there are tumor, traumatic, infectious diseases. Also, magnetic resonance imaging is able to diagnose complications arising in the development of the above diseases.
What is spinal MRI?
MRI of the spinal column and spinal cord is a method of instrumental research, which involves the visualization of all anatomical formations at a certain level. Modern devices allow for various virtual sections of individual parts of the body. This makes it possible to evaluate the anatomical structure of the spinal canal, intervertebral openings in various areas. The study also includes the spinal cord, because such an MRI allows you to see its structure, because the inductance of the magnetic field in the coil of the apparatus is approximately 1.5 Tesla. The use of tomography helps to determine the presence of tumor formations in the membranes of the brain or in its tissue with the corresponding symptoms.