[en] Full text: Using 59 keV photons, we measured the K_alpha, K_beta and total K X-rays fluorescence cross sections of 17 elements in the atomic range 21 < Z < 74. Furthermore, the fluorescence yields and the I_Kbeta / I_Kalpha intensity ratios for these elements were also determined. An annular radioactive source of ²⁴¹Am (activity 1 Ci) was employed to excite the elements in targets with the shape of foils or pellets (99% purity and 20 mm, in diameter). The pellets were formed with a mixture of cellulose and a chemical compound containing the element of interest, pressed at 15 tons. The K X-rays emitted from the irradiated samples were detected by a Si(Li) detector with a frontal Pb collimator, coupled to conventional electronics, with dead time below 10%. The fluxes reaching the targets and the crystal detector were determined by means of Monte Carlo (MC) simulations using the MCNPX V 2.6 code. The input geometries included the detector, the sample-source holder and the Pb collimator. The optimal diameter for the samples as well as the collimator dimensions were estimated by means of MC simulations. Using several elements (Ti, Ni, Br, Ag, Cs, Dy and W) a calibration curve for the effective flux of photons (I₀G_ε) as function of the K X-rays energy was measured. Correction by different sizes and self-absorption coefficients of the samples were also performed. The data obtained for the X-rays fluorescence cross sections were compared with semi-empirical calculations and with experimental values reported by other authors; the relative deviations were less than 10%. Keywords: fluorescence cross section, fluorescence yields, Monte Carlo (author)