Patent ID: 7046008

Claim:
A radio-frequency coil apparatus for use in a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus that images a subject volume using a magnetic resonance signal emitted therefrom, said apparatus comprising: a first unit including a first radio-frequency coil that receives a magnetic resonance signal; a second unit including a second radio-frequency coil that receives a magnetic resonance signal, independently from the first radio-frequency coil; a support member that is configured to be attachable/detachable to/from at least one of the first unit and the second unit, and that supports the first unit and the second unit such that relative positions of the first unit and the second unit are interchangeable; a cable that is connected to the first unit and the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus, a first signal line accommodated in the cable and configured to transmit a signal between the first radio-frequency coil and the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus wherein the first signal line is connectable to the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus in a state in which the second unit is not supported on the first unit by the support unit; and a second signal line accommodated in the cable internally of the first unit and configured to transmit a signal between the second radio-frequency coil and the magnetic resonance imaging apparatus.