Magnetic Resonance Imaging
This division provides equipment, facilities, and operations support for clinical and research studies using Magnetic Resonance Imaging or Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRI/MRS).
All MRI facilities are located on the first floor of the McDermott Clinical Science Building.
The MRI Division consists of two sections: the Human MRI/MRS Section and the Small Animal MRI/MRS Section.
Human MRI/MRS Section
This section supports two 90-cm-bore Siemens TIM Trio 3.0T MRI/MRS systems. Both large-bore Siemens scanners are housed within a 40′ x 20′ three-room suites that consist of a scanner bay, an operator control room and an equipment room.
Animal MRI/MRS Section
The animal MRI/MRS Section occupies two multi-room suites. One 60’ x 20’ five-room suite (McD1.806, 1.808, 1.810) includes two scanner bays, two operator-console rooms and one equipment room. This suite houses two MRI/MRS systems. A second 30’ x 20’ three-room suite exists.
Human Stimulus Presentation
Stimulus presentation in the MRI can be accomplished in several different ways. Visual stimulation can be presented by a projector connected to a PC. The subject can view the projector via a mirror attached to the receiving coil. Auditory stimuli can be presented by high quality headphones to the subjects. Sensory stimulation such as vibration can also be presented. Reaction time and responses can be recorded by a button box connected to a PC. In addition, motor behaviors can be videotaped.