Abstract: A whole volume quadrature coil is provided which has one side and two ends thereof open for easy patient access. The coil is comprised entirely of figure eight shaped coils.

Abstract: A quadrature local coil includes two coil sets placed on opposite sides of the patient, each coil set having a single loop and a split loop so as to be sensitive to quadrature components of a flux field substantially centered between the coil sets. Signals are developed from the loops in a manner to reduce current flow in the loops preventing coupling of the opposing loops and the degradation of the signal. The signals may be summed to produce a single signal of improved signal-to-noise ratio.

Abstract: A radio frequency coil for receiving NMR signals in the imaging of a human foot includes a bird cage structure of longitudinally separated loops joined by longitudinal segments. Some of the segments include transverse portions which define an appendant volume for receiving the toes of the foot when the foot is placed in the coil with the leg generally longitudinal and the toes extending transversely. The appendant volume allows the average radius of the coil to be decreased with a corresponding increase in signal-to-noise ratio without unduly affecting the homogeneity of the coil's reception pattern.