A magneto-resistive head, a magnetic tape and a magnetic tape
recording/reproducing system, which are capable of suppressing the
formation of protrusions around a magneto-resistive element, thereby
preventing the occurrence of such problems as spacing loss and tape
damage, are provided. A thermally conductive member that is connected to
the magneto-resistive element is formed of a material having a thermal
conductivity greater than 20 W/mK so as to efficiently release the heat
generated when the magneto-resistive element is in use and suppress the
rise in temperature around the magneto-resistive element. In addition, by
selecting, for a lubricant layer formed on the surface of the magnetic
tape, a material whose melting point is higher than the operating
temperature of the magneto-resistive element, the lubricant layer is
prevented from melting even when the magneto-resistive element is in use
and when the temperature of the magnetic head thus rises.