K - Glossary of Terms

Glossary of terms index - A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

K - Glossary of Terms

Karotype	A chromosome map.
keloid	(ke'loid) New growth or tumor of skin consisting of dense, fibrous tissue, usually resulting from hypertrophy of cicatrix, or scar.
Keratin	(ker´a-tin) An insoluble protein present in the epidermis and in epidermal derivatives, such as hair and nails.
Kerley’s lines (septal line)	A linear opacity which, depending on its location, extent, and orientation, may be further classified as Kerley’s A line Kerley’s B line Kerley’s C line
Kerley’s A line	An essentially straight linear opacity 2–6 cm long and 1–3 mm wide, usually situated in an upper lung zone, that points to the hilum centrally and is directed toward but does not extend to the pleural surface.
Kerley’s B line	An essentially straight linear opacity 1.5–2 cm long and 1–2 mm wide, usually situated in the lung base and oriented at right angles to the pleural surface with which it is usually in contact peripherally.
Kerley’s C line	A group of branching, linear opacities producing the appearance of a fine net, situated at the lung base and representing Kerley’s B lines seen en face.
Kerma (k)	The energy absorbed per unit mass from the initial kinetic energy released in matter of all the elec¬trons liberated by x-rays or gamma rays. Expressed in gray (Gy). 1 Gy = 1 J/kg.
keV (kilo electron volt)	The kinetic energy gained by an electron as a result of being accelerated through a potential difference of 1,000 volts (equal to 1,000 eV or 1 keV).
Kidney	(kid´ne) One of a pair of organs of the urinary system that contains nephrons and that filters wastes from the blood in the formation of urine.
Kilo	Prefix meaning "one thousand."
Kiloelectron volt (keV)	The kinetic energy of an electron equivalent to 1000 eV. 1 keV = 1000 eV.
Kilogram (kg)	The scientific unit of mass that is unrelated to gravitational effects; 1000 g.
Kilovolt (kV)	Electric potential equal to 1000 V.
Kilovolt peak (kVp)	A measure of the maximum electrical potential across an X-ray tube; expressed in kilovolts.
Kilovoltage	The potential difference in thousands of volts applied across an X-ray tube that accelerates the electrons emitted by the cathode towards the anode.
Kinesiology	(ki-ne´´se-ol´o-je) The study of body movement.
Kinetic energy	The energy of motion.
Knee	(A region in the lower extremity between the thigh and the leg that contains a synovial hinge joint.
KUB	Abbreviation for kidney, ureter, and bladder.
kymography	(ki-mo'-gra-fe) Radiographic recording of involuntary movements of such viscera as heart, stomach, and diaphragm, and motion, as in blood vessels.
kyphoscoliosis	(kifo-skoli-o'sis). Backward and lateral curvature of spine.
Kyphosis	(ki-fo-sis) Greek kyphos = bent or bowed forward. Anterior convexity in the curvature of the thoracic spine, sacrum, and coccyx, as viewed from the side.
kyphotic	(ki-fofik) Relating to or affected with kyphosis.

Glossary of terms index - A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z


◄ .....Go back to the general radiography homepage