What does TR stand for in the context of MRI sequences?

In the context of MRI sequences, TR stands for Repetition Time. This term refers to the time interval between successiveRadiofrequency (RF) pulse sequences applied to the same slice of tissue. Essentially, it is the time period required to repeat the pulse sequence. The optimization of TR is crucial because it influences the contrast of the final image; shorter TR values can lead to the appearance of T1-weighted images, whereas longer TR values typically produce T2-weighted images. Understanding TR is essential for radiologists and technicians in adjusting MRI sequences to achieve the desired image quality and diagnostic effectiveness.