An MRI, short for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, is a radiology
technique used to obtain clear images of the internal structures of the human
body. MRI machines use create powerful
magnetic fields that align the nuclear magnetization of hydrogen atoms in the
water throughout the human body. By repeatedly
altering the direction of this alignment, the machine can collect enough
information to accurately construct an image of the body layer by layer. MRI imaging is notably effective for
constructing images of soft tissue structures in the body, and is often
preferred for use in musculoskeletal imaging for this reason. Contrast dyes can also be used for MRI
images to clarify images and show structures and potential problems that might
not otherwise be visible.