What diagnostic imaging technique uses magnetic fields and radio waves instead of ionizing radiation?

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the diagnostic imaging technique that utilizes powerful magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the body's internal structures. Unlike X-ray, ultrasound, and computed tomography (CT), which all employ ionizing radiation, MRI is a non-invasive imaging method that does not expose patients to this potentially harmful type of radiation.

The strength of MRI lies in its ability to differentiate between various types of soft tissues, making it particularly beneficial for imaging the brain, muscles, heart, and cancers. The magnetic fields and radio waves excite the hydrogen atoms in the body's tissues, producing signals that are converted into images by a computer. This results in high-resolution images that provide valuable information without the risks associated with ionizing radiation.