Which type of imaging uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) utilizes strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the organs and tissues within the body. The process involves aligning the protons in the body's hydrogen atoms with the magnetic field. When radio waves are applied, these protons are disturbed and emit signals that are detected by the MRI machine. This signal processing allows for high-resolution images that can reveal structural and functional abnormalities in the body's soft tissues, making MRI especially useful for neurological, musculoskeletal, and cardiovascular conditions.

In contrast, CT scanning employs X-ray technology to generate cross-sectional images of the body, which involves ionizing radiation rather than magnetic fields and radio waves. Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images, focusing on real-time visualization of soft tissues and fluid-filled structures, while X-ray imaging relies on the differential absorption of X-rays by various tissues, resulting in two-dimensional images. Each of these imaging modalities has distinct technologies and applications, but MRI specifically stands out for its use of magnetic fields and radio waves in imaging.