fat containing tissues are dark. The reverse is true for T1- weighted (spin-lattice (lattice means surrounding tissues) images. Damaged tissue tends to develop edema, which makes a T2-weighted sequence sensitive for pathology, and generally able to distinguish pathological tissue from normal tissue. If an additional radio frequency pulse and an additional manipulation of the magnetic gradients are added, a T2-weighted sequence can be converted to a Flair sequence, in which free water is now dark, but edematous tissues (tissue with abnormal accumulation of fluid) remain bright. This sequence in particular is currently the most sensitive way to evaluate the brain for hindering diseases. The typical MRI examination consists of 5-20 sequences, one scan can take up to 45 minutes to complete, and each exam chosen is to provide a particular type of information about the subject tissues. Then the information is interpreted by the radiologist. Abstract This essay is targeted at a specific human organ and a common problem within it. The organ is the kidney and the disease is cancer. We will discuss normal kidney function(s), effects of kidneys, and the associated organs of the renal system under attack by cancer, signs and symptoms of kidney cancer .Lastly, ultrasound machines are used to locate and determine the size and stage of the infected organ. Our kidneys are the principal organs of the urinary system, which process blood and form urine as a waste to be excreted – that is,
removed from the body. The excreted urine travels from the kidneys to the outside of the body via accessory organs: the ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra. (Patton, 2010) The kidneys are essential for the control of blood pressure, excretion of waste products of metabolism, and maintenance of acid-base balance. They perform these functions by regulating the concentration of salt, water, and hydrogen ion in the body and filtering the blood of waste substances, including drugs and toxins. (Hart, 2012) Homeostasis in the renal system is important to our well-being by controlling blood pressure, filtering, and flushing excess fluids, nutrient by-products and harmful contaminants. When something goes wrong within our kidneys and they no longer function as anatomically designed, a very serious situation can develop. [what situation?] Identifying the symptoms [list me a few symptoms] that specifically lead to diseases of the renal system can be tricky. Think about all the different infections [list a few] or trauma that can cause blood in urine or trigger a fever. Some symptoms take many tests to determine what system in the body is functioning abnormally. After pinpointing a particular body system through blood tests, urine samples, etc., the next step is to get a look at it via one or more of the many technologically advanced picture taking machines: X-Ray, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computerized Topography (CT), or Ultrasound Imaging. In a personal experience with kidney cancer, the ultrasound machine was the hero.