Spin-spin relaxation

Spin-spin relaxation, also called T2 relaxation, is a process in MRI where the magnetic energy of hydrogen nuclei in tissues loses coherence over time due to interactions with nearby spins. In simple terms, these tiny magnetic moments initially align with an external magnetic field, but as they influence each other, their signals become out of sync. This causes the overall signal to fade faster. Spin-spin relaxation reflects how quickly the tissue’s microscopic magnetic environments change, providing info about tissue properties, such as density and composition. It’s essential for creating detailed MRI images and distinguishing different tissue types.