Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive medical technology that creates detailed images of organs and tissues within the body. The procedure operates by utilizing powerful magnetic fields and radio waves to interact with the hydrogen nuclei, or protons, found predominantly in the water molecules of the body. When the body is placed within the strong magnetic field, the protons align themselves; the subsequent application of radiofrequency pulses momentarily knocks these protons out of alignment. As the protons return to their resting state, they emit energy signals that are detected by the machine. These varying signal intensities are then processed by a computer to generate cross-sectional images, providing highly detailed anatomical and functional information useful for diagnosing a wide variety of medical conditions.