helium (redirected from atomic number 2)

helium /he·li·um/ (He) (hel´e-um) chemical element, at. no. 2. It is obtained from natural gas. Used as a diluent for other gases, particularly with oxygen in the treatment of certain cases of respiratory obstruction, and as a vehicle for general anesthetics.

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he·li·um (hl-m)

n. Symbol He

An inert gaseous element used in liquid form as a cryogen and as a substitute for nitrogen in artificial breathing mixtures for deep-sea diving and workers in high-pressure conditions. Atomic number 2.

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helium (He) (hē´lēum),

n a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas; one of the inert gaseous elements. Atomic number, 2; atomic weight, 4.003. Used in medicine as a diluent for other gases.

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helium

a chemical element, atomic number 2, atomic weight 4.003, symbol He. See Table 6.

Helium is a chemically inert element that is odorless, tasteless and noncombustible. Because of its low density it is easily moved through the air passages and therefore requires little effort in breathing on the part of the patient who is in respiratory distress. Although helium itself has no chemical therapeutic value, when combined with oxygen it facilitates the delivery of this gas to the lungs (see helium-oxygen therapy).