T1 Relaxation Time

T1 relaxation time is a measure used in MRI scans that indicates how quickly the magnetic signals within tissues return to their normal state after being disturbed by a magnetic pulse. Think of it as how fast the tissue "resets" itself. Different tissues have different T1 times, which helps doctors distinguish between types of tissues and identify abnormalities. A shorter T1 means the tissue relaxes quickly, often seen in fat, while a longer T1 is typical of water-rich tissues like cerebrospinal fluid. This property is essential for creating detailed images of the body's internal structures.