Medical Dictionary: Glossary (K)

What is kalemia?

The presence of potassium in the blood. The word “kalemia” is seldom used today although it is the basis for the terms for abnormally high blood potassium (hyperkalemia) and low blood potassium (hypokalemia).

What is keratectomy?

Removal of part of the cornea. This can be done by surgical excision or by laser.

What is keratitis?

Inflammation of the cornea. Keratitis can occur due to abrasion trauma, infection, or underlying diseases such as Sjogren’s syndrome.

What is kneecap?

The patella, the small bone in the front of the knee. The patella is a little bone, embedded in the tendon of insertion of the quadriceps muscle.

What is krukenberg tumor?

A tumor of the ovary that is caused by the spread of metastatic cancer of the gastrointestinal tract, usually from the stomach.

What is knee ligaments?

Ligaments are strong, elastic bands of tissue that connect bone to bone. They provide strength and stability to the joint.

What is klebsiella?

A group of bacteria that normally lives in the intestinal tract, but can cause infections especially urinary infections and pneumonia. Klebsiella are frequently the cause of infections acquired in hospitals.

What is kidney stone?

A stone in the kidney or a stone that originates in the kidney but has passed lower down in the urinary tract. Kidney stones are a common cause of blood in the urine and pain in the abdomen, flank, or groin.