An examination region (12) is defined by an elliptically crossed-section cylinder (20) of a non-conductive, non-magnetic material. The x, y, and z-gradient coils (24, 26, 22) are mounted on elliptically crossed-section cylindrical surfaces along the former for causing gradient magnetic fields within the examination region. Each of the x, y, and z-gradient coils includes a plurality of arrays or groups of coil loops. The arrays of coil loops are symmetric about a central plane of symmetry. To either side of the plane of symmetry, each of the first of the x, y, and z coil arrays (74, 80, 90) include at least a first group of loops in which current flows in a clockwise direction and a second array of loops (76, 82, 90) in which current flows in an opposite direction.