What is the primary purpose of a transmit/receive coil in MRI?

The primary purpose of a transmit/receive coil in MRI is to transmit radiofrequency pulses that excite the hydrogen nuclei within the body and to receive the resulting signals emitted from these excited nuclei. When a patient is placed in the magnetic field of an MRI machine, the transmit coil applies a specific radiofrequency pulse, which facilitates the alignment and subsequent excitation of the protons within the tissues. Once the radiofrequency pulse is turned off, the protons begin to relax back to their original alignment, and the coil detects the signals generated during this relaxation process. These signals are then used to create detailed images of the internal structures of the body.

This function is crucial for MRI as it allows for the generation of images based on the different relaxation times and chemical environments of the tissues, providing valuable diagnostic information. The effectiveness of the transmit/receive coil directly impacts the quality and resolution of the images obtained during the MRI examination.