Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) explained | Neuroscience Methods 101

Here we explain how Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI works. MRI that takes a full 3D picture of your brain.
In the magnetic field of an MRI hydrogen protons line up, most are parallel and some are anti-parallel to the magnetic field. By applying a radio-frequency pulse, we can measure the net magnetization, meaning that we can investigate the amount of hydrogen protons in a particular region.
Two processes, created by the radio-frequency (RF) pulse can be observed: First, more protons move into an antiparallel direction and after the RF pulse they return. In other words the net magnetization is removed and they returns. This return in magnetization can be observed. Since this happens in line with the magnetic field, this process is called longitudinal relaxation, also known as spin-lattice relaxtion or T1 relaxation. The results is a so-called T1-weighted brain image.
The second process is that protons spin in synchrony due to the RF pulse. This crease a net magnetization in the perpendicular direction of the main magnetic field. After the RF pulse, the synchrony is lost and this transverse net magnetization returns to zero. This process is called transverse relaxation, also known as spin-spin relaxtion or T2 relaxation. The results is a so-called T2 weighted image.
Note: this video is a remake of an earlier video from last year.
Narrated by: Miles Wischnewski
References/Resources:
Huettel, S.A., Song, A.W., McCarthy, G. (2014). Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging, 3rd edition. Sinauer Associates, Oxford University Press, Oxford, United Kingdom.
Time stamps:
0:00 Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) physics
2:52 T1-weighted imaging
3:34 T2-weighted imaging
USE OF STOCK IMAGES AND VIDEOS
Occasionally we make use of stock images and videos (pixabay.com or pexels.com). We use these to make our videos more lively (better than looking at a blank screen). These stock videos should not be taken as an exact scientific reflection of the discussed content. In some cases they are not fully accurate. We try to have a high viewing pleasure, while at the same time create as little confusion as possible. Thus we aim to only use them when it is clear that they are not directly related to the discussed content.
CHANNEL GOALS
The Psyched! channel focuses on providing education about psychology and neuroscience. Here you learn all about human behavior, the mind and the brain. It is our goal to reach everyone, from people who are casually interested to academic researchers. As such we provide simple explanation videos as well as profound lectures. If you like our content, consider to subscribe!
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS
Instagram: / real.psyched
Twitter: / mileswischnews1
Website: www.mileswischnewski.com

[@real.psyched]

We noticed that YT occassionally messes up the video presentation speed of this video (but the audio remains normal). This is an error on the YT side, as the upload itself is perfectly fine. We don't really know why this happens. If you notice this, please reload the page, that should fix the problem! Thank you, and sorry about this.