Which imaging modality is primarily used for examining soft tissues?

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is primarily used for examining soft tissues due to its superior contrast resolution for distinguishing between different types of soft bodily structures. MRI utilizes strong magnetic fields and radio waves to generate detailed images of organs and tissues inside the body without the use of ionizing radiation. This makes it particularly valuable for imaging the brain, spinal cord, muscles, ligaments, and various internal organs, as it provides clearer and more detailed images compared to other modalities.

In contrast, X-rays are better suited for visualizing hard structures like bones and may not provide adequate detail for soft tissues. CT scans are useful for detailed cross-sectional images and can visualize soft tissues reasonably well, but they still do not match the clarity of soft tissue images produced by MRI, particularly when distinguishing between different tissue types. Ultrasound is effective for certain examinations of soft tissues, particularly in monitoring organ activity and fluid collection, but it generally lacks the detailed resolution offered by MRI. Therefore, MRI stands out as the premier choice for soft tissue examination.