What are renal calculi commonly referred to as?

Renal calculi are commonly referred to as kidney stones. This term specifically describes the solid masses formed in the kidneys when certain substances in the urine crystallize. Kidney stones can vary in size and consist of different materials, such as calcium oxalate, struvite, or uric acid. Understanding this terminology is crucial, as it relates directly to the anatomy and physiology of the human urinary system and how various conditions can affect it. The term "kidney stones" is widely accepted in both medical settings and general conversations about health, making it important for students of medical terminology to know this association.