What does lithiasis refer to?

Lithiasis refers specifically to the formation of calculi and concretions, which are solid masses typically formed from minerals and compounds in the body. This term is commonly used in medical contexts to describe conditions involving stones, such as kidney stones or gallstones. These stones can develop when certain substances in body fluids become concentrated, leading to crystallization.

Understanding this term is important in the medical field since it relates to various conditions that can affect organs like the kidneys or gallbladder, which can cause significant health issues and require specific treatments, such as lithotripsy or surgical interventions. The other options refer to distinct medical phenomena that do not align with the definition of lithiasis, focusing instead on unrelated conditions such as blood clot formation, infections, or nutritional deficiencies.