Barium
Barium: 1. A metallic element belonging to the alkaline earths with an atomic number of 56 and an atomic weight of 137.34. The symbol for barium is Ba.
2. In medicine, refers to a chalky solution of barium used to coat the inside of organs, such as the stomack or intestines so that they will show up on an x-ray.
See also: Barium enema; Barium swallow.
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- Barium enema
An enema using a white, chalky solution containing barium, in preparation for series of X-ray images of the lower intestine (colon). The barium outlines the colon on the X-ray film.
- Barium enema x-ray
Lower GI series.
- Barium swallow
Barium swallow: A test that involves filling the esophagus, stomach, and small intestines with a barium solution in preparation for an X-ray, to define the anatomy of the upper digestive tract. Also known as upper gastrointestinal series.
- Barium solution
Barium solution: A liquid that contains barium sulfate, which produces a visible image on X-ray film. Barium solution outlines organs of the body so they can be seen as images on X-ray film.
- Barker, Horace Albert
Barker, Horace Albert: (1907-2000) American biochemist who, among other things, discovered the biologically active forms of vitamin B12. Horace Albert Barker, informally called “Nook,” was educated at Stanford University and earned a PhD in chemistry in 1933. His research interest then turned to soil microbiology and microbial biochemistry. He set out on a two-year postdoctoral […]