What is a small hard deposit that forms in the kidney commonly referred to as?

A small hard deposit that forms in the kidney is commonly known as a kidney stone. These stones are primarily composed of mineral and acid salts that crystallize in the urine, leading to potential obstruction and painful symptoms when passing through the urinary tract. Kidney stones can vary in size and type, and the formation conditions include factors such as hydration levels and dietary content.

While kidney cysts are fluid-filled sacs on the kidneys, they are not solid deposits and do not consist of the same mineral composition as kidney stones. Nephrolith is actually a term that refers to a kidney stone as well, but it is more clinical and less commonly used in everyday language compared to the term "kidney stone." A urinary tract infection refers to an infection in the urinary system and is not related to the formation of hard deposits in the kidneys. Therefore, the designation of a kidney stone aligns clearly with the definition of a small hard deposit in the kidneys.