Which imaging technique utilizes magnetic fields and radio waves to generate images of the body?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the imaging technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the body's internal structures. MRI operates on the principles of nuclear magnetic resonance, where the hydrogen nuclei in the body's water molecules respond to the magnetic field. When placed in this field, these nuclei align with the field, and the application of radiofrequency pulses causes them to absorb energy and subsequently release it. This released energy is detected and used to construct highly detailed images of organs, muscles, and other soft tissues.

Unlike X-rays, which utilize ionizing radiation to visualize bone structures, or computed tomography (CT), which also employs X-ray technology to produce cross-sectional images, MRI offers superior contrast between different types of soft tissues without the use of potentially harmful radiation. Ultrasound, on the other hand, relies on sound waves to produce images, making MRI distinct in its use of magnetic fields and radio waves for imaging.