Definition Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP; also known as Steele-Richardson-Olszewski syndrome) is a rare disease that gradually destroys nerve cells in the parts of the brain that control eye movements, breathing, and muscle coordination. The loss of nerve cells causes palsy, or paralysis, that slowly gets worse as the disease progresses. The palsy affects ability to move the...

Definition Kyphosis is the extreme curvature of the upper back also known as a hunchback. Description The upper back bone (thoracic region), is normally curved forward. If the curve exceeds 50° it is considered abnormal (kyphotic). Causes and Symptoms Kyphosis can be divided into three ages of acquisition—birth, old age, and the time in between. ·        ...

Definition Korsakoff's syndrome is a memory disorder which is caused by a deficiency of vitamin B1, also called thiamine. Description In the United States, the most common cause of thiamine deficiency is alcoholism. Otherconditions which cause thiamine deficiency occur quite rarely, but can...

Definition The KOH test takes its name from the chemical formula for potassium hydroxide (KOH), which is the substance used in the test. The test, which is also called a potassium hydroxide preparation, is done to rapidly diagnose fungal infections of the hair, skin, or nails. A sample of the infected area is analyzed under a microscope following the addition of a few drops of potassium...

Definition The five most common knee problems are arthritis, tendonitis, bruises, cartilage tears, and damaged ligaments. Knee injuries can be caused by accidents, impact, sudden or awkward movements, and gradual wear and tear of the knee joint. Description Because the knee joint is both vulnerable and used extensively in...

Definition Klinefelter syndrome is a chromosome disorder in males that results in hypogonadism (small penis and small firm testicles). People with this condition are born with at least one extra X chromosome. Description Klinefelter syndrome is a condition where one or more extra X-chromosomes are present in a male. Boys with this condition appear normal at birth, but the defect...

Definition Kinesiology is a series of tests that locate weaknesses in specific muscles reflecting imbalances throughout the body. Then specific massages or acupressure techniques are used in an attempt to rebalance what has been revealed by the kinesiology tests. Thus, kinesiology is used as both an assessment tool and as a limited therapeutic modality. Purpose Kinesiology claims to be a healing system...

Definition A kidney, ureter, and bladder x-ray study (KUB) is an abdominal imaging procedure that uses x rays to create an image of the kidney, ureter, bladder and surrounding areas. Purpose A KUB is performed to obtain information about the kidney, ureter, and bladder. It may be used if an individual has abdominal pain but...

Definition Kidney transplantation is a surgical procedure to remove a healthy, functioning kidney from a living or brain-dead donor and implant it into a patient with non-functioning kidneys. National Transplant Waiting List By Organ Type (June 2000) Organ Needed Number Waiting Kidney 48,349 Liver 15,987 Heart 4,139 Lung 3,695 Kidney-Pancreas 2,437 Pancreas 942 Heart-Lung 212 Intestine 137 Purpose Kidney transplantation is...

Definition Kidney stones are solid accumulations of material that form in the tubal system of the kidney.Kidney stones cause problems when they block the flow of urine through or out of the kidney. When the stones move along the ureter (the tube that connects the kidney and the urinary bladder), they cause severe pain. Description Urine is formed by the kidneys....

Definition A kidney nuclear medicine scan, or study, is a simple outpatient test that involves administering small amounts of radioactive substances, called tracers, into the body and then imaging the kidneys and bladder with a special camera. The images obtained can help in the diagnosis and treatment of certain kidney diseases. Purpose While many tests, such as x rays, ultrasound...

Definition Kidney function tests are a variety of tests designed to test how well the kidneys are functioning. Purpose Kidney function tests are an important diagnostic tool for cases in which kidney disease is suspected. Some tests provide information only about how well the kidneys are functioning, while others offer some insight into the possible...

Definition Kidney disease is a general term for any damage that reduces the functioning of the kidney.Kidney disease is also called renal disease. Description The kidneys are a pair bean-shaped, fist-sized organs that are located below the rib cage near the middle of the back. In adults they filter about 200 quarts (190 L) of blood every...

Definition Kidney cancer is a disease in which the cells in certain tissues of the kidney start to grow uncontrollably and form tumors. Renal cell carcinoma , sometimes referred to as hypernephroma, occurs in the cells lining the kidneys (epithelial cells). It is the most common type of kidney cancer. Eighty-five percent of all kidney tumors are renal cell carcinomas. Wilms'...

Definition Kidney biopsy is a medical procedure in which a small piece of tissue is removed from the kidney for microscopic examination. Purpose The test is usually done to diagnose kidney disease and to evaluate the extent of damage to the kidney. A biopsy is also frequently ordered to detect the reason for acute renal failure when normal office procedures and tests fail...

Definition Kyphosis is the extreme curvature of the upper back also known as a hunchback. Description The upper back bone (thoracic region), is normally curved forward. If the curve exceeds 50° it is considered abnormal (kyphotic). Causes and symptoms Kyphosis can be divided into three ages of acquisition—birth, old age, and the time in between. ·        ...

Definition Korsakoff's syndrome is a memory disorder which is caused by a deficiency of vitamin B1, also called thiamine. Description In the United States, the most common cause of thiamine deficiency is alcoholism.  Otherconditions which cause thiamine deficiency occur quite rarely, but can...

Definition The KOH test takes its name from the chemical formula for potassium hydroxide (KOH), which is the substance used in the test. The test, which is also called a potassium hydroxide preparation, is done to rapidly diagnose fungal infections of the hair, skin, or nails. A sample of the infected area is analyzed under a microscope following the addition of a few drops of potassium...

Definition Kneecap removal, or patellectomy, is the partial or total surgical removal of the patella, commonly called the kneecap.  Purpose Kneecap removal is performed under three circumstances: ·         The kneecap is fractured or shattered. ·         The kneecap dislocates...

Definition The five most common knee problems are arthritis, tendonitis, bruises, cartilage tears, and damaged ligaments. Knee injuries can be caused by accidents, impact, sudden or awkward movements, and gradual wear and tear of the knee joint. Description Because the knee joint is both vulnerable and used extensively in...

Definition Klinefelter syndrome is a chromosome disorder in males that results in hypogonadism (small penis and small firm testicles). People with this condition are born with at least one extra X chromosome. Description Klinefelter syndrome is a condition where one or more extra X-chromosomes are present in a male. Boys with this condition appear normal at birth, but the defect...

Definition Kinesiology is a series of tests that locate weaknesses in specific muscles reflecting imbalances throughout the body. Then specific massages or acupressure techniques are used in an attempt to rebalance what has been revealed by the kinesiology tests. Thus, kinesiology is used as both an assessment tool and as a limited therapeutic modality. Purpose Kinesiology claims to be a healing system...

Definition A kidney, ureter, and bladder x-ray study (KUB) is an abdominal imaging procedure that uses x rays to create an image of the kidney, ureter, bladder and surrounding areas. Purpose A KUB is performed to obtain information about the kidney, ureter, and bladder. It may be used if an individual has abdominal pain but...

Definition Kidney transplantation is a surgical procedure to remove a healthy, functioning kidney from a living or brain-dead donor and implant it into a patient with non-functioning kidneys. National Transplant Waiting List By Organ Type (June 2000) Organ Needed Number Waiting Kidney 48,349 Liver 15,987 Heart 4,139 Lung 3,695 Kidney-Pancreas 2,437 Pancreas 942 Heart-Lung 212 Intestine 137 Purpose Kidney transplantation is...

Definition Kidney stones are solid accumulations of material that form in the tubal system of the kidney.Kidney stones cause problems when they block the flow of urine through or out of the kidney. When the stones move along the ureter (the tube that connects the kidney and the urinary bladder), they cause severe pain. Description Urine is formed by the kidneys....

Definition A kidney nuclear medicine scan, or study, is a simple outpatient test that involves administering small amounts of radioactive substances, called tracers, into the body and then imaging the kidneys and bladder with a special camera. The images obtained can help in the diagnosis and treatment of certain kidney diseases. Purpose While many tests, such as x rays, ultrasound...

Definition Kidney function tests are a variety of tests designed to test how well the kidneys are functioning. Purpose Kidney function tests are an important diagnostic tool for cases in which kidney disease is suspected. Some tests provide information only about how well the kidneys are functioning, while others offer some insight into the possible...

Definition Kidney disease is a general term for any damage that reduces the functioning of the kidney.Kidney disease is also called renal disease. Description The kidneys are a pair bean-shaped, fist-sized organs that are located below the rib cage near the middle of the back. In adults they filter about 200 quarts (190 L) of blood every...

Definition Kidney cancer is a disease in which the cells in certain tissues of the kidney start to grow uncontrollably and form tumors. Renal cell carcinoma , sometimes referred to as hypernephroma, occurs in the cells lining the kidneys (epithelial cells). It is the most common type of kidney cancer. Eighty-five percent of all kidney tumors are renal cell carcinomas. Wilms'...

Definition Kidney biopsy is a medical procedure in which a small piece of tissue is removed from the kidney for microscopic examination. Purpose The test is usually done to diagnose kidney disease and to evaluate the extent of damage to the kidney. A biopsy is also frequently ordered to detect the reason for acute renal failure when normal office procedures and tests fail...

Definition Keratosis pilaris is a common skin condition that looks like small goose bumps, which are actually dead skin cells that build up around the hair follicle. Description Keratosis pilaris is a disorder that occurs around the hair follicles of the upper arms, thighs, and sometimes the buttocks. It presents as small, benign bumps or papules that are actually waxy build-ups of keratin....

Definition Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea, the transparent membrane that covers the colored part of the eye (iris) and pupil of the eye. Description There are many types and causes of keratitis. Keratitis occurs in both children and adults. Organisms cannot generally invade an intact, healthy cornea. However, certain conditions can allow an infection to occur. For example, a scratch...

Definition Keloids are over growths of fibrous tissue or scars that can occur after an injury to the skin. These heavy scars are also called cheloid or hypertrophic scars. In individuals prone to keloids, even minor traumas to the skin, such as ear piercing, can cause keloids. The word "keloid" itself comes from the Greek word for a crab's claw; it was first used...

Definition Kawasaki syndrome is a potentially fatal inflammatory disease that affects several organ systems in the body, including the heart, circulatory system, mucous membranes, skin, and immune system. As of 2004 its cause was unknown. Description In the 1960s, Tomisaku Kawasaki noted a characteristic cluster of symptoms in Japanese schoolchildren. Ultimately named for Kawasaki, the disorder...

Definition Dialysis treatment replaces the function of the kidneys, which normally serve as the body’s natural filtration system. Through the use of a blood filter and a chemical solution known as dialysate, the treatment removes waste products and excess fluids from the bloodstream, while maintaining the proper chemical balance of the blood. There are two types of dialysis treatment: hemodialysis and...