What is the primary function of volume coils in MRI?

The primary function of volume coils in MRI is to transmit and receive signals effectively throughout a larger volume of tissue. Volume coils are designed to encompass the area of interest and provide uniform coverage, which allows for enhanced signal reception from the entire volume being imaged. This capability is critical in maintaining the quality of the MRI images, as it ensures that signals from all parts of the target region are captured adequately, leading to high-resolution images.

Using volume coils can significantly improve the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) by capturing more signal from the area being studied compared to smaller coils. However, the key function remains in their ability to transmit and receive MRI signals across the whole volume, which makes them essential for comprehensive anatomical imaging rather than isolating specific structures or purely reducing scan time. This makes option B the correct choice in this context.