What Does The Inside Of An Mri Machine Look Like?

You lie down on a flat table that slowly slides you into the MRI machine. The inside of an MRI machine looks like a narrow, brightly lit tunnel about 60 to 70 centimeters wide. The walls are smooth and white or beige, and you can see both ends open. At the front, sometimes there is a mirror or small screen showing the room outside or a movie. The machine is open at both ends, but the space around your body is tight.

What Does The Inside Of An Mri Machine Look Like?

The inner chamber of a standard closed MRI is a long cylinder called the bore. The bore is typically about 60 to 70 centimeters in diameter — roughly the width of your shoulders. It is lined with a smooth, hard plastic shell. This shell covers the powerful magnet and the gradient coils that create the magnetic fields. The inside is well lit, often with a soft white or blue light. A small fan circulates air so you do not feel stuffy.

At the end of the bore, near your head, there may be a mirror or a small screen. The mirror reflects the control room or a window, so you can see the technologist. Some newer machines have a video screen built into the bore that lets you watch a show during the scan. There are also speakers for communication and an intercom. The table you lie on is padded and moves into the bore automatically.

You will also notice holes or vents in the inner lining. These are for the gradient coils that produce loud knocking sounds during the scan. The coils themselves are hidden behind the plastic. The entire bore is surrounded by a giant superconducting magnet, but you cannot see it from inside.

What Is The Tunnel Like in an MRI?

The tunnel is long — usually about 1.5 to 2 meters (5 to 6.5 feet). When you are fully inside, the bore extends well past your head and feet. The opening at the far end is also visible, which helps reduce the feeling of being trapped. However, the tight space can still cause anxiety for some people.

Standard closed MRI machines have a tunnel that wraps around your entire body. Open MRI machines have a different design: they are wider and shorter, with open sides instead of a full tube. But most high-field MRI scanners used for detailed imaging are the closed type. The tunnel is not completely silent — you will hear loud knocking, tapping, and buzzing sounds during the scan.

Why Is The MRI Machine So Noisy?

The loud sounds come from the gradient coils. These coils are loops of wire inside the machine that switch electric current on and off rapidly to create changing magnetic fields. The sudden pulses of current cause the coils to vibrate against their mountings. Each vibration produces a loud knocking or tapping sound. Different MRI sequences create different noise patterns. Some scans sound like a jackhammer, others like a rapid drumbeat. MRI machines typically reach noise levels of 80 to 120 decibels, which is why you must wear earplugs or headphones.

What Do You See During an MRI?

Most of the time, the inside of the machine is all you see. But many modern MRI scanners have a mirror or screen positioned above your eyes. The mirror can be angled so you see out of the bore into the room. Some machines offer video goggles or a built-in display that shows a movie or calming images. This can help pass the time and reduce anxiety. You can keep your eyes open the whole time. There is no bright flash like in a CT scanner, so the tunnel stays evenly lit.

How Does The Patient Table Work?

The table is a flat, padded surface that slides smoothly in and out of the bore. It is controlled by the technologist from the control room. The table moves at a consistent pace. For scans of the brain or head, your head will be positioned inside a special coil that looks like a cage or helmet. For other body parts, the coil is placed around that area. The table can also tilt slightly for certain exams. You will be asked to lie very still during the scan motion can blur the images.

Are There Different Types of MRI Machines (Open vs Closed)?

Yes. The closed MRI is the most common type. It has a narrow bore that fully encloses your body. It produces the highest quality images and scans faster. The open MRI has a larger, shorter tunnel or sometimes just a donut-shaped magnet with open sides. Open MRI can feel less confining, but the magnetic field is usually weaker, so the scan takes longer and image quality may be lower for some studies. Standing or upright MRI machines are also available for specific spine or joint exams where weight-bearing images matter. Your doctor will choose the best type based on the clinical question and your comfort.

What Should You Expect the First Time You See an MRI?

Before the scan, you will remove any metal objects such as jewelry, glasses, coins, and clothing with zippers or snaps. You will change into a hospital gown. The technologist will explain the procedure and help you lie down on the table. They will give you earplugs or headphones. You will hold a squeeze bulb or have a button to call for help if needed. The table will slide you into the bore. The technologist will speak to you through an intercom. The scan can last 15 to 60 minutes, depending on how many images are needed.

Inside, the machine is well lit and you can see both ends. The loud knocking noises are normal. You can close your eyes or keep them open. Many people find it helpful to focus on breathing slowly. If you feel anxious, tell the technologist. They may offer a sedative or recommend an open MRI.