The idea for Magnetic Resonance Imaging was initially conceived by Damadian in 1971 after he recognized that under nuclear magnetic resonance certain mouse tumors would display elevated relaxation times compared with normal tissues in vitro. The first full-body MRI scanner was created by Prof. Raymond Damadian in 1977 and took nearly 5 hours to produce the first ever full body scan of a human. Dr. Ramadan nicknamed the first Magnetic Resonance Imaging scanner the "Indomitable" and it is currently housed in the Smithsonian Institute.
Most MRI machines are large, tube-shaped magnets. An MRI scanner contains two powerful magnets, which represent the most critical part of the equipment. The human body is largely made of water molecules, which are comprised of hydrogen and oxygen atoms. At the center of each atom lies an even smaller particle called a proton, …show more content…
Since its discovery, doctors and researchers have refined techniques so as to use MRI scans to not only assist in medical procedures but also aid in research. Health care professionals use MRI scans to diagnose a variety of conditions, from torn ligaments to tumors. Because even torn ligaments around joints can be detected by an MRI scan, it is being used more and more following sports injuries. Magnetic Resonance Imaging can also examine breasts, heart and blood vessels, and internal organs, such as the liver, womb or prostate gland. The results of an MRI scan can be used to help diagnose conditions, plan treatments and assess how effective previous treatment has