What factors determine spatial resolution in MRI?

Spatial resolution in MRI is primarily determined by factors such as slice thickness, field of view (FOV), and matrix size.

Slice thickness directly impacts how much anatomical detail is captured in the images. Thinner slices can provide better detail and resolution, as they reduce partial volume effects where different tissues might contribute to the same pixel intensity.

Field of view is the size of the area being imaged. A larger FOV can spread the same number of matrix elements over a larger area, potentially reducing detail since each pixel averages information from a larger volume. Conversely, a smaller FOV allows for a greater concentration of pixels, improving resolution since each pixel can represent a smaller, more defined area of tissue.

Matrix size refers to the number of pixels (or voxels in 3D imaging) used in the image. A higher matrix size increases the number of pixels, which provides more detail and enhances the spatial resolution.

Therefore, the combination of slice thickness, field of view, and matrix size is crucial in determining the spatial resolution of an MRI image, making this choice accurate.