Question

Explain the following term: Renal calculi

Answer 1

Hint: A renal calculus is a disorder of the excretory system. It is a small, hard accumulation of which forms in the kidney and sometimes it is very painful. It is common in human beings and can be treated easily. A renal calculi is also known as a kidney stone or urolithiasis.

Complete answer:
A renal calculus is a solid piece of material which develops in the tract of the urinary bladder. It is generally formed in the kidney by the accumulation of certain minerals and salts. The salts like calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate and calcium sulphate in the kidney form the stone. These are insoluble salts and are not excreted by the urine. Small stones may pass without causing any problem but the stones of a larger size get stuck in the urinary tract and can cause severe pain. If the diameter of the stone is more than 5 mm then it can cause blockage of the urinary tract and due to which there is a massive pain in the lower back or abdomen. A kidney stone may result in blood in the urine, vomiting and the painful urination. The stones are formed in the kidney when the concentration of minerals is considerably high in the urine.
The main symptoms of kidney stones are that they cause massive pain which discharges from the flank to the inner thigh and this pain is known as renal colic while the pain in the back causes a barrier in the kidney. The diagnosis of the kidney stone is generally based on the location and seriousness of the pain.

Note: The renal colic is sometimes regarded as the strongest pain sensation. The kidney stones can be prevented by the drinking of liquids such that it can be produced about 2 litres of urine per day. More males are affected than females by kidney stones.