Glossary

Category: P

  • Peptidoglycan

    Major structural component of bacterial cell walls. Thicker in grampositive than in gram‐negative bacteria. Synthesis is inhibited by the beta‐lactam antibiotics. A large, complex carbohydrate that forms layers in the cell walls of bacteria. Gram-positive cell walls have many peptide-linked layers; gram-negative cell walls have few layers.  

  • Penicillin‐binding proteins (PBPs)

    Receptor sites (commonly transpeptidase enzymes) for penicillin in its inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis; alterations in or formation of new PBPs are major mechanisms of resistance to penicillins. Also known as penicillin‐sensitive enzymes (PSEs).  

  • Penicillin

    Any of a large group of natural or semi‐synthetic antibacterial antibiotics derived directly or indirectly from strains of fungi of the genus Penicillium and other soilinhabiting fungi grown on special culture media. They exert a bactericidal and bacteriostatic effect on susceptible bacteria by interfering with the final stages of the synthesis of peptidoglycans, a substance…

  • Pemphigus

    Pemphigus

    Refers to a group of autoimmune bullous diseases (pemphigus vulgaris, pemphigus vegetans, pemphigus erythematosus) that affects skin and mucous membranes primarily between the fourth and sixth decades of life. A generalized, sometimes fatal, skin disease characterized by recurring crops of large blisters. A rare disease where large blisters form inside the skin. Disease of the…

  • Pemphigoid (cicatricial pemphigoid, benign mucous membrane pemphigoid)

    A chronic vesiculobullous autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the mucosa in older females; characterized by a subbasalar separation of epithelium from connective tissue; almost all cases have an oral involvement, with the gingiva being the most favored site. A skin disease which is similar to pemphigus. Any condition characterized by the appearance of bullae (blisters),…

  • Pellucid

    Allowing for the passage of light without distortion; transparent. Translucent, not quite transparent but with some light coming through when held up to the light (e.g. of gland dots in leaves of Rutaceae).  

  • Peg lateral

    A permanent maxillary lateral incisor that is tapered and small. Commonly referred to as a baby tooth.  

  • Peer‐reviewed literature analysis

    Analysis of published research reports by individual(s) with expertise similar to that of the author(s).  

  • Peer‐reviewed journal

    Periodical publication for which individuals who are of an academic and/or professional standing equal to that of the author(s) have determined that all articles are of sufficient quality and completeness.  

  • Pedicle graft

    Full‐ or partial‐thickness flap reflected from an area with a base attached to the donor site and in which the free margin is moved. It may be laterally or coronally positioned or rotated to cover an adjacent surgical site or enhance the soft tissue contours.