A magnetic resonance system has a basic field magnet system that annularly surrounds an examination volume, a gradient system arranged radially within the basic magnetic system, a radio-frequency shield arranged radially within the gradient system and a whole-body coil arranged radially within the radio-frequency shield. The gradient system is essentially circular, such that the gradient system defines a gradient system axis. With regard to a complete circumference around the gradient system axis, the whole-body coil has a first segment and a second segment complementary to the first segment. The first segment covers an angular range of more than 180.degree. relative to the gradient system axis. The whole-body coil exhibits a constant curvature radius in the first segment and is more gently curved in the second segment than in the first segment. The whole-body coil is arranged in the gradient system such that a radio-frequency field return that is possible in the center of the first segment and a radio-frequency field return that is possible in the center of the second segment are at least approximately equal.