The function of the MRI magnet is to create a strong and uniform magnetic field within the MRI scanner. This magnetic field is essential for the process of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It aligns the protons in the body's tissues, allowing radio waves to be sent into the body and then received by the scanner. By measuring the response of the protons to these radio waves, detailed images of the internal structures of the body can be generated. The strength of the MRI magnet is typically measured in tesla (T), with higher field strengths generally resulting in clearer and more detailed images.