What term refers to an abnormal mineral deposit formed within the body, named for the organ or tissue where they are located?

• A. Nephrolith
• B. Stone
• C. Ureterectasis
• D. Ureterolithiasis

Answer: (B)

These deposits are called stones, or calculi. They form when minerals crystallize inside body fluids or within ducts. The general term “stone” covers mineral deposits formed in the body and is used regardless of exact location. When you specify location, you get terms like a kidney stone (nephrolith) or a stone in the ureter (ureterolith), which name the deposit after the organ. The other options point to a specific location or condition: a nephrolith is a kidney stone, ureterolithiasis refers to stones in the ureter, and ureterectasis is dilation of the ureter, not a stone. So the broad term that best fits the description is “stone.”