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phosphorus(P)
(fos´fә-rәs)
a chemical element, atomic number 15, atomic weight 30.974. 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. Free
phosphorus is very inflammable and exceedingly poisonous; ingestion causes fatty degeneration of the liver and other viscera.
Inhalation of its vapor by workers in chemical industries may cause necrosis of the mandible (phosphonecrosis). adj., phosphor´ous., adj.
phosphorus 32
a radioisotope of phosphorus having a half-life of 14.28 days and emitting only beta particles, used as a radiopharmaceutical. As the sodium salt its therapeutic uses include treatment of polycythemia vera, chronic granulocytic leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and palliation of metastatic skeletal disease. As a colloid with chromium its uses include treatment of certain ovarian
and prostate carcinomas and of intraperitoneal and intrapleural malignant effusions resulting from metatstatic disease. Symbol
32P.
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