Barium in a suitable form is administered to patients before an X-ray examination of the stomach, because
A
barium allows X-rays to pass through the stomach on account of its transparency to X-rays
B
barium compound, like magnesium sulphate helps in cleaning the stomach before X-ray examination
C
barium is a good absorber of X-rays and this helps the stomach to appear clearly in contrast with the other regions in the picture
D
barium salts are white in colour and this helps the stomach to appear clearly in contrast with other regions in the picture
Correct Answer: Option C
Explanation
1. The question asks why barium is administered before an X-ray examination of the stomach.
2. X-rays are a form of electromagnetic radiation that can pass through soft tissues but are absorbed to varying degrees by denser materials.
3. Barium compounds (like barium sulfate) are dense and are good absorbers of X-rays.
4. When a patient swallows a barium meal, it coats the lining of the stomach and intestines.
5. Since barium absorbs X-rays much more than the surrounding tissues, the stomach appears clearly outlined (white) on the X-ray image, providing contrast and allowing doctors to see its structure.
6. Option (A) is incorrect; barium absorbs, not passes, X-rays. Option (B) is incorrect; while bowel preparation might be needed, barium's role is contrast, not cleaning. Option (D) mentions white color, which is irrelevant to X-ray absorption.