Last Updated on October 11, 2025 by Analgesia team
MRI Full Form
The full form of MRI in medical terms is Magnetic Resonance Imaging. The term “magnetic” refers to the powerful magnets used in the machine to create a strong magnetic field, which aligns the protons in the body. “Resonance” describes how these protons respond to radiofrequency pulses, producing signals that can be detected and measured. “Imaging” reflects the end result — detailed pictures of the body’s internal structures, including soft tissues, organs, and bones. Understanding the full form of MRI helps patients and healthcare professionals appreciate how this non-invasive technique works to diagnose injuries, monitor conditions, and guide treatment plans.
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- Brain and spinal cord
- Heart and blood vessels
- Bones, joints, and other soft tissues
- Organs in the pelvis and abdomen
- Breast
Magnetic Resonance Imaging is better at telling the difference between types of soft tissues and between normal and abnormal soft tissues
Types Of MRI
MRI is better at telling the difference between types of soft tissues and between normal and abnormal soft tissues.
There are several types of MRI scans, including:
- Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA): Used to evaluate blood vessels and blood flow, MRA can help identify blockages or narrowing in the blood vessels, or the cause of a stroke.
- Magnetic resonance venography (MRV): Similar to MRA, but used to image veins instead of arteries. MRV uses a combination of a large magnet, radiofrequency, and contrast dye to make the veins visible.
- Breast MRI: Used to screen for breast cancer in high-risk individuals, and to detect changes in breast cancer lesions.
- Bones and joints MRI: Used to check for joint issues, bone infections, spinal disc problems, and tumors in the bones and soft tissues.
- Internal organs MRI: Used to check for tumors in the organs, including the kidney, pancreas, uterus, and ovaries.
- Functional MRI (fMRI): A type of MRI scan.
- Cardiac MRI: A type of MRI scan.
MRI VS MRCP
The main difference between an MRI and an MRCP is that an MRCP is a specific type of MRI that focuses on the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas:
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MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging uses radio waves and magnetism to create detailed pictures of the body’s soft tissues. MRIs are noninvasive and don’t use radiation.
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Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography is a type of MRI that uses an IV dye and computer software to produce detailed images of the pancreatic and bile duct systems. MRCPs are used to diagnose conditions like gallstones, pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, and bile duct problems.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging scans are painless and typically take around 15 minutes. If an MRI of the abdomen is also performed, the entire procedure can take up to 45
MRI scans are a vital tool in medical diagnostics because they can produce detailed images of soft tissues, are safe, and have high spatial resolution. However, Magnetic Resonance Imaging scans can be sensitive to movement and have longer scan times.
MRI Scan Cost
The cost of an MRI scan in the UK can range from £200 to £1,500, depending on the type of scan, the number of body parts being scanned, and the location.
- Number of body parts: The more body parts being scanned, the higher the cost
- Type of scan: A full-body scan or a specialized scan with contrast will cost more than a standard brain MRI
- Location: MRI scans in larger cities are usually more expensive than in smaller towns
- Clinic or hospital: Different clinics and hospitals may have different pricing structures