The pancreas is a vital organ located in the abdomen, near the stomach and behind the lower part of the ribcage. It has a dual function in the human body, acting as both an endocrine gland and an exocrine gland.

Unit 2,

Reference: Oxford Concise Colour Medical Dictionary (7th Edition, Kindle Edition) Oxford University Press 2020 ISBN-13: 978-0198836629, p2051

Pancreatic polypeptide is a hormone released from the delta cells of the islets of Langerhans of the pancreas in response to protein in the small intestine. Its actions are to inhibit pancreatic bicarbonate and protein enzyme secretion and to relax the gall bladder. It belongs to a family of similar hormones that have actions on appetite and food metabolism.

Unit 3,

Reference: Oxford Concise Medical Dictionary (9th ed) Oxford University Press 2015 ISBN-13: 9780199687817, p2052

Pericytes are specialised cells found in association with capillary blood vessels throughout the body. They are an essential component of the microvascular system, playing a crucial role in maintaining the structure and function of small blood vessels, particularly capillaries. Pericytes are located on the outer surface of capillaries, where they make contact with endothelial cells—the cells that line the inner surface of blood vessels.

Unit 7,

Reference: Zheng Z, Chopp M, Chen J. Multifaceted roles of pericytes in central nervous system homeostasis and disease. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab. 2020;40(7):1381-1401.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition characterized by the narrowing or blockage of the blood vessels outside of the heart, typically affecting the arteries that supply blood to the legs and feet. PAD is often a result of atherosclerosis, a buildup of fatty deposits (plaques) on the inner walls of the arteries. Over time, these plaques can restrict blood flow, leading to various symptoms and complications.

Unit 5,

Reference: A R Owen, G H Roditi, Peripheral arterial disease: the evolving role of non-invasive imaging, Postgraduate Medical Journal, Volume 87, Issue 1025, March 2011, Pages 189–198,

A carbohydrate formed from many monosaccharides joined together in long linear or branched chains. Polysaccharides have two important functions: (1) as storage forms of energy; for example glycogen in animals and starch in plants, and (2) as structural elements; for example mucopolysaccharides in animals and cellulose in plants.

Unit 2,

Reference: Oxford Concise Colour Medical Dictionary (7th Edition, Kindle Edition) Oxford University Press 2020 ISBN-13: 978-0198836629, p2153

Occurring after eating.

Unit 2,

Reference: Oxford Concise Colour Medical Dictionary (7th Edition, Kindle Edition) Oxford University Press 2020 ISBN-13: 978-0198836629, p2162

Prediabetes is a condition defined as having blood glucose levels above normal but below the defined threshold of diabetes.

Unit 1,

Reference: Bansal N. Prediabetes diagnosis and treatment: A review. World J Diabetes. 2015;6(2):296-303.

Proteins are macromolecules essential for the structure, function, and regulation of cells and tissues in all living organisms.

One of a group of organic compounds of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen (sulphur and phosphorus may also be present). The protein molecule is a complex structure made up of one or more chains of amino acids, which are linked by peptide bonds. Proteins are essential constituents of the body; they form the structural material of muscles, tissues, organs, etc., and are equally important as regulators of function, as enzymes and hormones. Proteins are synthesized in the body from their constituent amino acids, which are obtained from the digestion of protein in the diet. Excess protein, not required by the body, can be converted into glucose and used as an energy source (gluconeogenesis).

Unit 2,

Reference: Oxford Concise Colour Medical Dictionary (7th Edition, Kindle Edition) Oxford University Press 2020 ISBN-13: 978-0198836629, p2194