MRI Scanner

Hello. I am an MRI Scanner. I look like a big, round donut or a long, cozy tunnel. My job is a very special one. I help doctors see inside your body. I take special pictures so they can see your bones, your tummy, and even your amazing brain. Before I was here, it was very hard for doctors to see inside without it hurting. But I can peek inside like a gentle game of hide-and-seek, and it doesn't hurt at all. I am a big helper.

My smart friends, the scientists, worked very hard to make me. They gave me a super-duper strong magnet. It’s so strong, it’s like a superhero magnet. When you lie inside me, I hum a quiet little song and my magnet helps all the tiny water drops inside you do a little wiggle dance. I listen to the wiggles and turn them into pictures for the doctor. It's my special picture game. On a special day, July 3rd, 1977, I took my very first picture of a person. I was so excited. While I work, I make loud tapping noises. Tap. Tap. Tap. It sounds like a friendly woodpecker knocking on a tree to say hello to you.

My pictures help doctors find any little ouchies that might be hiding inside you. They can also use my pictures to make sure you are healthy and strong. I promise I don't hurt one bit. Your only job is to lie very still, like you're playing a sleeping game, while I take my pictures. I feel so happy when I help doctors keep kids and grown-ups healthy. It means you can go run, jump, play, and have lots and lots of fun.