Final answer:
Barium sulfate is used in medical imaging to examine the esophagus, stomach, and small intestines. It coats the digestive organs, allowing for clear x-ray images. This procedure helps diagnose various gastrointestinal conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Medical imaging using barium sulfate is a common practice to examine the esophagus, stomach, and small intestines. Barium sulfate is an opaque substance that coats the digestive organs, allowing for clear x-ray images. It is administered orally in the form of a barium milkshake, which is a suspension of fine barium sulfate particles in water.
The high atomic mass of barium makes it appear white on x-ray images, while the surrounding tissues appear dark. This technique is often used to diagnose conditions such as acid reflux disease, Crohn's disease, ulcers, and other gastrointestinal issues.