How Does an MRI Machine Work?

Morning scanners!

Look at this crazy video of an MRI machine:

Ya… that’s why you're NOT allowed to bring anything made of metal anywhere near these things.

They’re basically a giant magnet.

But, how does a giant, super loud magnet scan you, and create images like this:

Well, first you gotta know something.

Our bodies are 60% water.

And water is kinda magnetic.

If you look inside a human, you’ll find billions and billions of water molecules, aka H2O.

Every one of these H2O molecules is made up of 2 hydrogen atoms and 1 oxygen atom, hence the name.

Now, in each hydrogen atom, you’ll find a single proton:

These protons are where the magic happens.

Because they are super sensitive to magnetic fields.

So, when you turn an MRI machine on.

(this will be quite loud)

The machine can dial up or down its magnetic strength to zero in on exactly the body part doctors want to see.

So, let's say we're gonna scan Derd’s head.

All the hydrogen protons in the water inside his head start by lining up either with or against the magnetic field of the MRI machine.

Then a little radio wave pulse beams into him.

Which nudges a couple of these protons so their alignment flips.

Then, once the radio pulse is turned off, the protons flip back.

This flip-back releases a little bit of electromagnetic energy.

This energy is detected by the MRI machine, and the signal is sent to a fancy computer.

This computer does a bunch of math, calculating how quickly the signals were received.

Because denser tissues = longer to receive signal.

All this info is then put together using fancy imaging software, turning it into one simple image.

And tada!

MRI scan complete… it only took 60 long minutes of constant banging and crashing.

Stay Cute,
Reece, Henry & Dylan 🌈

If you’re that sexy friend, subscribe here.

‍