The theory of high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the physical properties of a dedicated coil system with its clinical application are reviewed. To evaluate the spatial resolution of the system, a phantom sample was depicted by a transverse T1-weighted sequence (time of repetition 500 ms, time of echo 25 ms, 256 x 256 matrix, 3 acquisitions, field of view 25 mm2). Relative signal intensity decrease was less using the 5-cm coil, as signal intensity field distribution depends on coil diameter. The phantom appeared as an attainable resolution of 100-microns pixel width using the 2.5-cm coil. For the 5-cm coil the pixel width was 200 microns, not accomplishing clear resolution of the phantom. Coil head choice depends on the anatomic depth of the target organ. Work-up of the skin and musculoskeletal lesions is the main indication for high-resolution MRI using surface coils.