MRI Basics and Principles for Cellular Imaging

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful medical imaging technique capable of providing exquisite soft tissue contrast without the use of ionizing radiation. Specialized techniques allow MRI to be used to study smallanimal models of human diseases, allowing for truly longitudinal studies, thereby reducing the number of animals required. Furthermore, techniques have been developed that allow MRI to visualize processes at the cellular level in live animals. This chapter acts as an introduction to basic MRI principles that will help in understanding MR methods and applications described in other chapters.