Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging has become the leading cross-sectional imaging method in clinical practice. Since the 1980s, continuous improvements in hardware and software have significantly broadened the scope of applications. At present, MR imaging is not only the most important technique in neuroradiology and musculoskeletal radiology, but has also become an invaluable diagnostic tool for abdominal, pelvic, cardiac, breast and vascular imaging.