Dictionary

Body systems

Anatomy and the conditions of each body system, from the heart and lungs to the skin.

Kaposi sarcomaA cancer that starts in the cells lining the blood and lymph vessels.

Kawasaki diseaseAn illness of young children in which the walls of medium-sized blood vessels throughout the body become inflamed.

keloidA raised, firm overgrowth of scar tissue that spreads beyond the edges of the original wound.

kernicterusA form of permanent brain damage in which bilirubin is deposited in a newborn's brain tissue.

ketoacidosisA state in which ketones build up in the blood and make it too acidic.

ketoneAn acid made by the liver when the body burns fat for energy instead of glucose.

kidneyOne of two bean-shaped organs in the back of the belly that filter the blood and make urine.

kidney infectionAn infection of one or both kidneys; the medical word is pyelonephritis.

kidney stoneA hard, pebble-like lump of minerals that forms inside the kidney.

knee painPain felt in or around the knee joint.

Korsakoff syndromeA long-lasting brain disorder of memory that results from a severe lack of thiamine (vitamin B1).

kyphosisAn outward curve of the upper spine that makes the back look rounded or hunched.