Final answer:
A barium sulfate suspension is used to demonstrate the splenic flexure among other structures, providing greater visual detail on X-ray images for diagnosing conditions such as acid reflux disease and Crohn's disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
A patient is usually required to drink a barium sulfate suspension to enhance the visualization of certain structures during an X-ray examination. In the context of gastrointestinal imaging, barium sulfate, being opaque to X-rays due to the high atomic mass of barium, creates a stark contrast that clearly delineates the organs of interest. More specifically, the barium sulfate suspension is able to demonstrate the structure of the splenic flexure, which is part of the large intestine.
Drinking barium sulfate allows for greater visual detail than a traditional X-ray because it coats the lining of the intestinal tract, making it appear white on the X-ray images. Although soluble barium salts are toxic, barium sulfate is so insoluble that it is safe for use in medical diagnostics. This kind of medical imaging can be used to diagnose a variety of conditions, including acid reflux disease, Crohn's disease, and ulcers.