phosphorus (redirected from Phosphorus (chemical element))

phosphorus /phos·pho·rus/ (P) (fos´fah-rus) chemical element, at. no. 15. Ingestion or inhalation produces toothache, phosphonecrosis (phossy jaw), anorexia, weakness, and anemia. Phosphorus is an essential element in the diet; in the form of phosphates, it is a major component of the mineral phase of bone and occurs in all tissues, being involved in almost all metabolic processes.phos´phorousphosphor´ic

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phosphorus 32  a radioisotope of phosphorus having a half-life of 14.28 days and emitting beta particles (1.71 MeV); therapeutic uses include treatment of polycythemia vera, chronic myelocytic leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and certain ovarian and prostate carcinomas, palliation of metastatic skeletal disease, and treatment of intraperitoneal and intrapleural malignant effusions.

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phos·pho·rus (fsfr-s)

n. Symbol P

1. A highly reactive poisonous nonmetallic element occurring naturally in phosphates, such as hydroxyapatite, and an essential constituent of protoplasm, nerve tissue, and bone. Its radioisotope is used to localize and treat cancers and peritoneal or pleural effusions caused by metastatic disease, to determine blood volume, to study peripheral vascular disease, and to treat blood diseases such as polycythemia vera, chronic myelocytic leukemia, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Atomic number 15.

2. A phosphorescent substance.

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phosphorus (P) (fos´frus),

n a nonmetallic element; atomic weight, 30.98. It is essential, as is the phosphate, for the mineralization of the organic matrix of teeth and bone. It is also essential in the intermediary metabolism of carbohydrates as a vital constituent of the various intermediary compounds (e.g., glucose 6-phosphate) and of the enzyme systems (e.g., adenosine triphosphate [ATP]).

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phosphorus

a chemical element, atomic number 15, atomic weight 30.974, symbol P. See Table 6. Phosphorus is an essential element in the diet. In the form of phosphates it is a major component of the mineral phase of bone and is involved in almost all metabolic processes. It also plays an important role in cell metabolism. It is obtained by the body from milk products, cereals, meat and fish, and its use by the body is controlled by vitamin D and calcium.

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phosphorus-32

a radioisotope of phosphorus having a half-life of 14.3 days and emitting only beta rays; used in the form of sodium phosphate P-32 for treatment of polycythemia vera, chronic myelocytic leukemia and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and in localizing certain tumors during surgery. Symbol ³²P.

calcium:phosphorus ratio

see calcium: phosphorus ratio.

inorganic phosphorus

any phosphorus-containing compound which does not also contain carbon.

phosphorus nutritional deficiency

causes rickets in the young and osteomalacia in adult ruminants. In less severe deficiency states there is pica, growth retardation, infertility and possibly retention of placenta. See also postparturient hemoglobinuria. An unlikely nutritional deficiency in carnivores.

phosphorus poisoning

is very rare because of the absence of elemental phosphorus from the environment. Causes severe gastroenteritis with vomiting and diarrhea. If the animal survives the gastroenteritis there is a subsequent acute hepatic insufficiency.

phosphorus restriction

indicated in the dietary management of chronic renal disease and secondary hyperaparathyroidism; in dogs and cats, usually accomplished by reducing the content of meat.

phosphorus supplements

supplementing the diets of animals exposed to phosphorus deficient feeds is usually achieved by feeding bone meal, or calcium or sodium phosphates. All are readily assimilable but none are palatable and special devices are often necessary to get animals to take required amounts. See also dietary phosphate.