Abstract: A magnetoresistive read head includes a magnetoresistive layer having a central active region and end domain control regions, an electrode layer connected to both ends of the magnetoresistive layer, a pattern for providing a transverse bias to the magnetoresistive layer, a soft magnetic film provided on both sides of the magnetoresistive layer for magnetically shielding the magnetoresistive layer, and a substrate for supporting the magnetoresistive layer, pattern and soft magnetic film. A distance between the two end domain control regions of the magnetoresistive layer indicative of a length of the central active region is smaller than a distance between inner end faces of the electrode layer and the distance between the inner end faces of the magnetoresistive substantially corresponds to a read track width.