A local coil for magnetic resonance applications includes a rigid housing that radially surrounds a substantially cylindrical examination volume. Arranged in the rigid housing is a transmitting coil, by which an excitation signal may be applied to the examination volume. An object to be examined arranged in the examination volume may be excited by the excitation signal for emitting a magnetic resonance signal. The local coil includes a size-variable structure, in which an antenna assembly for receiving the magnetic resonance signal emitted by the object to be examined is arranged. The size-variable structure is arranged in the examination volume and is connected to the rigid housing. The size-variable structure is soft and flexible.