Medical Terminology Glossary

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

 

karyotype - an arrangement of chromosomes by shape, size, and position of centromeres

keratin - an insoluble protein found in the hair, nails, and other keratinized tissues of the epidermis

keratinocyte - the most numerous of the epidermal cells that function in keratin production

keratohyalin - a compound involved in the formation of keratin

keratosis - formation of a hardened growth of tissue

ketone bodies - substances such as acetone, acetoacetic acid, and beta-hydroxybutyric acid, produced primarily during excessive fat metabolism

ketosis - abnormal condition marked by excessive production of ketone bodies

kidney - one of the paired reddish organs located in the lumbar region; they regulate composition and volume of blood and produce urine

kilocalorie (kcal) - amount of heat required to raise the temperature of 1000 grams of water 1 C degree; the LETTER used to express the heating value of foods and to measure metabolic rate

kinesiology - the study of movement of body parts

kinesthesia - ability to perceive extent, direction, or weight of movement; muscle sense

Korotkoff sounds - the various sounds that are heard while taking blood pressure

kyphosis - exaggeration of the thoracic curve of the vertebral column, leading to a round-shouldered or hunchback appearance