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kernel heap

The kernel's own pool of memory it hands out and takes back as it runs.

Just like applications need to allocate memory dynamically, so does the kernel — for buffers, structures, and bookkeeping. The kernel heap is that internal allocator, and a good one reclaims freed memory so it can be reused rather than leaking away. microZeus describes 'a real reclaiming kernel heap,' emphasizing that freed memory genuinely returns to the pool.