human
My doctor wants me to get a MRI. What is this procedure like?
assistant
An MRI is a medical imaging technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce images of the inside of the body. It is used to diagnose many conditions, such as tumors, strokes, and injuries. The patient lies on a table that slides into the scanner. The scanner produces strong magnetic fields that cause the atoms in the body to align with the magnetic field. Radio waves are then sent through the body, causing the atoms to emit signals that can be detected by the scanner. These signals are translated into images that show the structures within the body.