Glossary · Research and quantitative methods
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
A non-ionizing medical-imaging method that uses strong magnetic fields, radiofrequency energy, and measured signals to construct detailed images.
Also called: MRI, magnetic resonance imaging
Definition
Magnetic resonance imaging aligns and perturbs atomic nuclei in a strong magnetic field, measures the radiofrequency signals released as they return toward equilibrium, and reconstructs those measurements into images. Acquisition settings and processing choices affect which tissue contrasts and structures are visible.
Why it matters
MRI produces rich multidimensional data that requires careful acquisition, processing, validation, interpretation, and documentation.
Common misunderstanding
MRI is not one uniform picture or automatic diagnosis; different sequences, artifacts, preprocessing choices, and clinical or research questions change what the images can support.
Related terms
Related system family: Measurement & Search Signals
Sources
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) (opens in a new tab) · National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering
Last reviewed July 16, 2026