Kidney stones, also known as renal calculi or nephrolithiasis, are hard mineral deposits that are formed within the kidneys. The stones can be found free in the renal calyces or attached to the renal papillae.
On the other hand, ureteral stones refer to stones that are stuck in the ureters, which are tubes that transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder. Conversely, bladder stones refer to stones located in the bladder, often due to incomplete emptying of the bladder, amongst other causes.