What is a key advantage of MRI scans?

The ability to visualize soft tissue boundaries is a key advantage of MRI scans. MRI utilizes a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to generate detailed images of the internal structures of the body, particularly soft tissues such as muscles, ligaments, and organs. This capability is especially beneficial in medical diagnostics, where distinguishing between different types of soft tissue is often crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

Unlike modalities that rely on ionizing radiation, such as X-rays or CT scans, MRI provides high-contrast images of soft tissues, making it an invaluable tool for conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, and joints. This feature enables healthcare providers to see clear delineations between various soft tissue structures, which can aid in identifying tumors, cysts, and other abnormalities.

The other options present valid imaging characteristics of different modalities but do not highlight the unique strengths of MRI in terms of soft tissue visualization.