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K
Kinesiology Dictionary
Please use this dictionary of professional kinesiology terms and definitions to help you learn. New terms and definitions will be added on a regular basis for you to learn from. I have decided to extend the dictionary to include terms and definitions from sciences that relate to and support being a kinesiologist or any other healthcare professional. Knowledge itself is power - use the dictionary to empower yourself. Please use the letters in blue below as links to get to the first letter of the term you are looking for. You will be transferred to another page containing those terms and definitions accordingly. Enjoy!
Term | Definition | Associated Field |
|---|---|---|
Kallikrein | Enzyme involved in blood pressure regulation and inflammation. | Physiology |
Karyokinesis | Division of a cell’s nucleus during mitosis. | Biology / Genetics |
Karyotype | Chromosomal composition of an individual. | Genetics |
Kegel Exercise | Pelvic floor strengthening exercise. | Exercise Prescription |
Kell Antigen System | Blood group system important in transfusion medicine. | Pathophysiology |
Keratin | Fibrous protein in skin, hair, nails. | Anatomy / Biology |
Keratinocyte | Epidermal cell producing keratin. | Biology |
Keratitis | Inflammation of the cornea. | Pathophysiology |
Ketogenesis | Formation of ketone bodies in the liver. | Physiology |
Ketone Bodies | Alternative energy substrates during fasting/exercise. | Nutrition / Biochemistry |
Ketonemia | Elevated ketone concentration in blood. | Pathophysiology |
Ketosis | Metabolic state of elevated ketone bodies. | Nutrition / Pathophysiology |
Ketouria | Presence of ketone bodies in urine. | Pathophysiology |
Kettlebell Training | Resistance training with cast-iron weights. | Strength & Conditioning |
Key Performance Indicator (KPI) | Measure of progress toward goals in training/research. | Exercise Testing / Sociology |
Kickback Exercise | Resistance exercise targeting triceps. | Strength & Conditioning |
Kickboxing | Martial art and conditioning sport with punches and kicks. | Exercise Prescription |
Kidney | Organ filtering blood and producing urine. | Anatomy / Physiology |
Kidney Stones | Crystals forming in kidney, causing pain/obstruction. | Pathophysiology |
Kilocalorie (kcal) | Unit of energy in food. | Nutrition |
Kilogram (kg) | SI unit of mass. | Physics |
Kilojoule (kJ) | SI unit of energy (1 kJ = 1000 J). | Physics / Nutrition |
Kinematics | Study of motion without regard to forces. | Biomechanics |
Kinesio Taping | Therapeutic tape technique for support and recovery. | Sport Injury / Rehab |
Kinesiology | Scientific study of human movement. | Motor Behavior |
Kinesthesia | Perception of body movement through proprioception. | Psychology / Physiology |
Kinesthetic Awareness | Sense of body movement and position. | Motor Behavior |
Kinetics | Study of forces causing motion. | Biomechanics |
Kinin System | Peptide system regulating blood pressure and inflammation. | Physiology |
Kinship | Social relationships based on family ties. | Sociology |
Kirchoff’s Law | Principles of electrical circuits. | Physics |
Kisspeptin | Hormone triggering release of gonadotropins. | Physiology |
Klotho Protein | Hormone regulating aging and mineral metabolism. | Physiology |
Knock-Knee (Genu Valgum) | Inward angling of knees when standing. | Anatomy / Sport Injury |
Knockout Mouse | Genetically modified mouse with a gene inactivated. | Genetics |
Koch’s Postulates | Criteria linking microbes to specific diseases. | Biology |
Koebner Phenomenon | Development of skin lesions at trauma sites. | Pathophysiology |
Kohlberg’s Stages | Theory of moral development in psychology. | Psychology |
Koro Syndrome | Culture-bound syndrome with fear of genital retraction. | Psychology |
Korsakoff’s Syndrome | Amnesia due to chronic alcoholism and thiamine deficiency. | Pathophysiology / Psychology |
Krabbe Disease | Rare genetic disorder affecting myelin. | Genetics / Pathophysiology |
Krebs Cycle (Citric Acid Cycle) | Metabolic pathway producing ATP, NADH, FADH₂. | Biochemistry / Physiology |
Krebs-Henseleit Buffer | Laboratory solution mimicking plasma. | Physiology |
Kruskal-Wallis Test | Non-parametric statistical test. | Research / Sociology |
Kussmaul Breathing | Deep, labored breathing due to acidosis. | Pathophysiology |
Kymograph | Instrument recording physiological changes (e.g., muscle contraction). | Physiology |
Kymography | Measurement of vocal fold vibration. | Motion Analysis |
Kyphoplasty | Surgical procedure correcting spinal deformities. | Medicine |
Kyphosis | Excessive outward curvature of thoracic spine. | Anatomy / Pathophysiology |
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