Glossary K's

ketoacidosis

Definition:dangerous accumulation of chemicals called ketones in the blood, sometimes occurring as a complication of diabetes mellitus; also called ketosis

kidney stone

Definition:hard mass composed of substances from the urine that form in the kidneys

kidney

Definition:two organs, located in the abdomen, that as part of the urinary tract are responsible for filtering the blood and removing waste products and excess water

kilocalorie

Definition:a unit of energy; equal to a nutritional calorie

knee-jerk reflex

Definition:test for a reflexive extension of the leg to check the functioning of the nervous system; tapping the knee just below the kneecap should cause the lower part of the let to jerk upward