MRI Scan: Image of Human Brain
Kartavya Desk Staff
#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: NDTV
Context: The world’s most powerful MRI scanner, located in France, has produced its first images of the human brain, offering unprecedented precision.
Key feature of MRI Scanner:
• Unprecedented Resolution: In just four minutes, the machine captures highly detailed anatomical images with a resolution of 2 mm in plane and 1 mm slice thickness, equivalent to a few thousand neurons.
• Medical Impact: The detailed imaging capabilities can aid in research on neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
• Advanced Detection: The machine facilitates the detection of chemical species like lithium and molecules involved in brain metabolism, enhancing diagnostics and treatment efficacy.
What is an MRI Scanner?
An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scanner is a medical device that uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to generate detailed images of the inside of the body, particularly the soft tissues like the brain, muscles, and organs.
How does it work?
When a patient enters the MRI machine, their body’s hydrogen atoms align with the magnetic field. Radio waves are then used to temporarily disrupt this alignment. When the radio waves are turned off, the hydrogen atoms return to their aligned state, emitting energy that is detected by the scanner.
Different tissues emit different signals based on their hydrogen atom density and molecular environment, allowing the scanner to create detailed images that physicians can use to diagnose various medical conditions.
About Human Brain:
The human brain is the control centre of the body, responsible for processing information, controlling movement, regulating emotions, and enabling consciousness. It consists of billions of neurons, which transmit signals through electrical and chemical processes. The brain is divided into regions that specialize in different functions
• Frontal lobe: It is involved in higher-level cognitive functions such as decision-making, problem-solving, planning, and social behaviour.
• The parietal lobe plays a key role in processing sensory information from the body, including touch, temperature, and pain.
• The occipital lobe is primarily responsible for processing visual information received from the eyes.
• The temporal lobe is involved in various functions, including auditory processing (hearing), memory formation, language comprehension, and emotion regulation.
• The cerebellum is essential for coordinating movement, balance, and posture
• Cerebral cortex for higher cognitive functions
• The brainstem for basic life functions like breathing and heartbeat