A diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system employing resistive magnet technology specifically designed to image only the head and neck or limbs. An extremity imaging system is typically closed bore design with cylindrical or rectangular bore openings but can be "open" bore design. This device includes MRI systems with conventional extremity capabilities, conventional systems capable of performing spectroscopy or other real-time imaging procedures necessary for interventional and therapeutic MRI applications, and dedicated magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy systems.