A surface coil for a nuclear magnetic resonance apparatus has a number of conductor sections arranged relative to each other. These sections can be connected to one another and to a reception unit by employing switches to enclose a preferable conductor geometry to obtain a localized image. The outer contour formed by the conductor sections is geometrically configured such that the width of the surface coil changes over its length. Thus, the coil can be positioned to conform to both an area and position which allow every segment of the localized area of interest of the examination subject to be examined with optimal signal-to-noise ratio. Further, a transmission coil which encompasses the conductor section is capable of transmitting localized radio-frequency signals, thus, eliminating the need for the use of a whole-body resonator for imaging localized areas of interest.