Kidney Stones (Renal Calculi)
What Are Kidney Stones?
[dropcap]K[/dropcap]idney stones, also called renal calculi, are abnormal hard formations in the kidneys that are composed mainly of calcium oxalate, also uric acid, and cystine.
Q: How big are kidney stones?
A: Stones can vary in size from microscopic crystals to several centimeters in diameter.
Some stones that are able to enter a ureter can cause excruciating pain while small stones can pass out with urine unnoticeed. A ureter is a tube that connects a kidney to the bladder for the purpose of removing urine. There are two ureters, one for each kidney.