T1 and T2 relaxation
T1 and T2 relaxation are processes in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that describe how hydrogen atoms in the body return to their equilibrium state after being disturbed by a magnetic field. T1 relaxation, or longitudinal relaxation, measures how quickly these atoms realign with the magnetic field, influencing image brightness. T2 relaxation, or transverse relaxation, measures how quickly the atoms lose coherence among each other after being disturbed. Together, T1 and T2 times help generate detailed images of body tissues, revealing differences in their properties, which is crucial for diagnosing various medical conditions.
Additional Insights
-
T1 and T2 relaxation are processes important in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). T1 relaxation, or longitudinal relaxation, refers to how quickly protons in tissues return to their normal state after being disturbed by a magnetic field. It influences the brightness of images. T2 relaxation, or transverse relaxation, involves how protons lose coherence with each other after disturbance, affecting the detail and contrast in images. Together, these processes help create detailed pictures of the inside of the body, allowing doctors to diagnose various conditions effectively.