Category: K

The dense mass of chromatin found in the cell nucleus, which is composed mainly of  chromosomes. Irregular clumps of nondividing chromatin material seen in the nuclei of cells.  

An antibiotic used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections. It is administered mainly by injection but is given by mouth for infections of the intestine and by inhalation for respiratory infections. Mild side-effects sometimes occur, including skin rashes, fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and tingling sensations. An antibiotic derived from Streptomyces kanamyceticus. It is…

A naturally occurring polypeptide consisting of ten amino acids. Kallidin is a powerful vasodilator and causes contraction of smooth muscle; it is formed in the blood under certain conditions.  

A test for syphilis, in which antibodies specific to the disease are detected in a sample of the patient’s blood by means of a precipitin reaction. The test is not as reliable as the Wassermann reaction, but is useful as confirmation.  

A nonnarcotic painkiller. Ketorolac (Toradol) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug ( NSAID) used to relieve moderate to severe pain, usually following a surgical procedure or an injury. It is not habit-forming, although it is often prescribed together with a narcotic to provide the best possible relief from pain. It may be injected or taken orally.…

A common benign (not cancerous) skin condition characterized by rough papules (small superficial bumps on the skin) that generally appear on the upper arms, thighs, and face. Keratosis pilaris is the result of dead skin cells or keratin accumulating around hair follicles. It usually improves or disappears with age. If keratosis pilaris is cosmetically disturbing,…

An herbal remedy used to reduce stress and anxiety; also known as kava kava. The kava plant is a member of the pepper family and is found in the South Pacific. Kava may relax the body and induce sleep, although the precise way in which it works is not entirely understood or proven. Kava is…

A quantity that describes the transfer of energy from a photon to a medium as the ratio of energy transferred per unit mass at each point of interaction.  

An electron capture process in which a K-shell electron is captured by the atomic nucleus.  

Stretching or tearing injuries, sometimes referred to as sprains, involving one of the knees’ ligaments. The knee includes two cruciate ligaments, the anterior and the posterior, which attach internally within the joint in a crisscross pattern. The medial collateral and lateral ligaments also help stabilize the joints.