[Contrast in static images in clinical magnetic resonance imaging : Part 1: Contrast properties of tissue].

In comparison to roentgen-based radiological examination techniques, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides a wide variety of tissue contrast. This can be utilized for better detection and characterization of pathological findings. The basis of image contrast in MRI is the chemical and physical properties of the hydrogen atoms in tissue, in particular in their chemical bonds in water and lipid molecules and in the environment in which the hydrogen-containing molecules are contained. This environment is mainly determined by the composition of substances, viscosity and temperature as well as the microscopic geometrical conditions in tissue. Part 1 of this advanced education article describes those contrast mechanisms which are most commonly utilized in static clinical standard examinations of various organ systems.