Final answer:
A scan field of view larger than the target anatomy is necessary to minimize partial volume artifacts and ensure that all desired anatomy is fully imaged within the uniform area of the magnetic field. In MRI, a larger magnetic field necessitates a smaller antenna for broadcasting the high-frequency radio waves required.
Step-by-step explanation:
We must choose a scan field of view that is larger than the anatomy to be scanned to minimize partial volume artifacts. This is because objects that lie outside the primary field of view can still affect the image due to the imperfections in the magnetic field at the edges of the field of view, leading to artifacts. By selecting a slightly larger field of view than the target anatomy, these potential artifacts are avoided, ensuring that all of the desired anatomy is fully within the uniform area of the magnetic field and is imaged accurately.
A higher magnetic field in an MRI scan requires higher frequency radio waves. The most efficient antenna to broadcast these higher frequency radio waves becomes smaller as the required frequency increases. Hence, a larger magnetic field favors a smaller antenna.
In scanning microscopy, as with medical imaging techniques like MRI and CT scans, the region seen at any given time is called the field of view. During scanning, a computer combines images acquired at multiple points to create a larger image of the sample. However, if the field of view were too small, portions of the anatomy might not be imaged correctly, which can cause errors in interpretation or diagnosis.