In just a little while you will be embarking on an adventure through a tunnel where your
picture will be taken.
A picture not of your face but the inside of your body like your brain or your spine,
it's called an MRI which actually stands for magnetic resonance imaging.
That's just a fancy way of describing giant camera that uses magnets to take pictures
deep beneath the surface of your skin.
It even makes a funny chirping sound.
Can u hear it?
[Chirping]
Just like when you pose for a picture with your family you won't feel a thing.
You also won't have to smile but you will have to stay still.
You may even want to take a nap.
First you need to make sure you don't have any metal in your pockets or on your clothing,
so you'll have to remove any coins or belt buckles that may interfere with the MRI.
Next, your nurse will take you and your family member into the MRI suite where the adventure
will begin.
Before getting started, take a look around.
The camera is very big and it made up of hard plastic.
The magnets are deep inside just like the film or memory card in a camera.
Here's the tunnel you'll be travelling through.
You can see straight through to the other side.
Inside the tunnel is where the pictures are taken.
Through this window is where the MRI technologist works.
She's the person who takes the pictures.
Imagine you're an astronaut and this is mission control.
From here, the technologist controls the giant camera.
She can even talk to you while you're getting your picture taken.
Just like an astronaut, you'll need to get instructed and suited up for your journey.
When you're ready, your nurse will help you lie down on the bed and put you put your head
on a special pillow just like you would if you were taking a nap.
But this bed can move up and down and makes some noise when it does.
Listen to what it sounds like.
The bed will move so you can travel through the tunnel when it's time to take your pictures.
Your family member will be in the room with you the entire time and you can even talk
to them before your pictures are taken.
Once you're comfortable, you'll be given a set of ear plugs to wear, that's because the
camera makes a loud sounds when it takes pictures.
It sounds like this.
[Noise]
Did you hear how loud that was?
It may be noisy but the camera supposed to make a lot of noise.
Just like a shuttle does right before taking off in to outer space, except the camera doesn't
go anywhere.
It stays right where it is.
To help block the noise and make you feel more comfortable, the technologist will also
place cushions on each side of your head.
Remember, you'll have to keep your head very still just like a statue.
Finally your technologist will help put a helmet that looks just like this over your
head.
It feels just like a football helmet or the type of helmet the astronaut wears.
Just like an astronaut's helmet, this helmet is special.
It has a mirror attached to it so you can see your family member at the end of the bed
while you're getting your pictures taken.
Once you're wearing your helmet, the journey begins.
Your bed will move again and take you inside the tunnel to take your picture.
Imagine you're gliding through space in a slow moving rocket.
The first picture you'll take is very short, but remember it's very loud.
After the first picture the camera will be quiet for a while, while the MRI technologist
on this side of the window sets up for the next picture.
That's it.
As soon as all your pictures are taken, your bed will move again so you can come out of
the tunnel and come in for a landing.
Once everyone helps you out with your special helmet, you'll probably want to get something
to eat and drink.
Mission complete.