Adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, is a molecule that carries energy within cells. It is often referred to as the "energy currency" of the cell because it provides the energy necessary for various cellular processes. ATP is a nucleotide, which is a basic structural unit of nucleic acids like DNA and RNA.

Unit 2,

Reference: Oxford Concise Colour Medical Dictionary (7th Edition, Kindle Edition) Oxford University Press 2020 ISBN-13: 978-0198836629, p1005

Fibrous connective tissue packed with masses of fat cells (adipocytes). In human adults it consists mostly of white fat. It forms a thick layer under the skin and occurs around the kidneys and in the buttocks. It serves both as an insulating layer and an energy food store; food in excess of requirements is converted into fats and stored within these cells.

Unit 2,

Reference: Oxford Concise Colour Medical Dictionary (7th Edition, Kindle Edition) Oxford University Press 2020 ISBN-13: 978-0198836629, p899

Adipose (fat) cells play several critical roles in systemic metabolism and physiology. There are at least two classes of fat cells—white and brown. White fat is specialized to store energy in the form of triglycerides, an especially efficient method because this class of molecules is highly energetic and stored anhydrously. On fasting, the release of fatty acids and glycerol to provide fuel for the rest of the body occurs via enzymatic hydrolysis called lipolysis. These crucial functions of fat, storage, and release of fatty acids are tightly controlled by the key hormones of the fed and fasted states—insulin and catecholamines.

Unit 3,

Reference: Cohen P, Spiegelman BM. Cell biology of fat storage. Mol Biol Cell. 2016;27(16):2523-2527.

Adrenergic refers to the actions or effects mediated by the neurotransmitters or hormones that activate adrenergic receptors. These receptors are primarily responsive to the catecholamines, which include adrenaline (epinephrine) and norepinephrine.

Unit 7,

Reference: Oxford Concise Medical Dictionary (9th ed) Oxford University Press 2015 ISBN-13: 9780199687817, p781

Albuminuria refers to the presence of albumin, a type of protein, in the urine. Normally, the kidneys filter waste products and excess substances from the blood, and these are excreted as urine. However, under normal circumstances, proteins, especially albumin, should be retained in the blood and not pass into the urine.

Unit 7,

Reference: Oxford Concise Medical Dictionary (9th ed) Oxford University Press 2015 ISBN-13: 9780199687817, p765

Alpha cells (α-cells) are a type of specialised cell found in the Islets of Langerhans within the pancreas. These cells are responsible for producing and secreting the hormone glucagon. Glucagon plays a key role in regulating blood sugar (glucose) levels in the body.

Unit 3,

Reference: Oxford Concise Medical Dictionary (9th ed) Oxford University Press 2015 ISBN-13: 9780199687817, p1722

Alström syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder that affects multiple organ systems. It is caused by mutations in the ALMS1 gene, which is involved in the ciliary function. Cilia are hair-like structures on the surface of cells that play a role in various cellular processes. The clinical features of Alström syndrome are diverse and can affect multiple organs. Alström syndrome is associated with insulin resistance, which can lead to hyperinsulinemia. This contributes to the development of type 2 diabetes. Symptoms of Alström syndrome typically appear in infancy, and the progressive development of multi-organ pathology can lead to a reduced life expectancy.

Unit 1,

Reference: Marshall JD, Maffei P, Collin GB, Naggert JK. Alström syndrome: genetics and clinical overview. Curr Genomics. 2011;12(3):225-235.

Characterised by the build up of plaque on the inner walls of arteries. This plaque is made up of substances such as cholesterol, fatty deposits, calcium, and cellular waste. Over time, the plaque can harden and narrow the arteries, limiting blood flow to vital organs and tissues.

Unit 5,

Reference: Oxford Concise Medical Dictionary (9th ed) Oxford University Press 2015 ISBN-13: 9780199687817, p1002

An atherothrombotic stroke, also known as a large vessel thrombotic stroke, is a type of ischaemic stroke that occurs when a blood clot forms in a large blood vessel supplying the brain. This type of stroke is typically associated with atherosclerosis, a condition characterised by the build up of fatty deposits (plaque) on the inner walls of blood vessels.

Unit 7,

Reference: Rothwell PM. Atherothrombosis and ischaemic stroke. BMJ. 2007;334(7590):379-380.

An antibody formed against one of the body's own components in an autoimmune disease.

Unit 4,

Reference: Oxford Concise Colour Medical Dictionary (7th Edition, Kindle Edition) Oxford University Press 2020 ISBN-13: 978-0198836629, p1013