Glossary: K
- Kegel exercises
Repeatedly tightening and releasing the pelvic muscle, in order to prevent urine leakage.
- keloids
smooth, pink, raised, firm, fibrous growths on the skin that form secondary to injury.
- keratinocytes (Also called squamous cells.)
the primary cell types found in the epidermis, the outer layer of skin.
- keratitis
inflammation of the cornea.
- keratoacanthomas
round, flesh-colored growths with craters that contain a pasty material.
- keratosis pilaris
a common skin condition characterized by small, pointed bumps, especially on the back and sides of the upper arms.
- ketoacidosis
high blood glucose; often caused by illness or taking too little insulin.
- ketone
break down product of fat that accumulates in the blood as a result of inadequate insulin or inadequate calorie intake.
- kidney and bladder ultrasound
a diagnostic imaging technique that examines the kidney and bladder using high-frequency sound waves; to detect certain abnormalities.
- kidney stone
a solid piece of material that forms from crystallization of excreted substances in the urine.
- kidney transplantation
a procedure that places a healthy kidney from one person into a recipient's body.
- kidneys
a pair of bean-shaped organs located below the ribs toward the middle of the back.
- knee reconstruction
surgical restoration of the knee.
- kyphosis
a forward curvature of the back bones (vertebrae) in the upper back area, giving a "humpback" appearance.
