This technology encompasses a range of novel, local, solenoidal NMR coils for use in imaging various anatomical regions. The shapes and designs of the coils conform to the regions of interest, including the lower abdominal region (especially for imaging the liver), a conformal design for imaging the hands, wrists and feet of patients, an adjustable volume coil for imaging the torso in general, and a design conducive to the imaging of the shoulder region. This technology also includes a detection coil designed to surround the anatomy of interest with conductors in a quadrature fashion.