ALU 301 Chapter 3 Rheumatoid Arthritis Questions with Complete Solutions, Rated A+

Rheumatoid Arthritis - A chronic inflammatory polyarthritis of unknown etiology that targets the synovial tissue of movable joints Risk factor of RA (most likely) - Genetics: studies of identical twins, presence of HLA-DR4, other genes including the gene for metalloproteinase. Also, the production of the rheumatoid factor HLA-DR4 ((a human leukocyte antigen) - A type of histocompatibility Class II antigen believed to be associated with an increased suspectibility to RA and is is found in the majority of people with RA. Also an indicator of a more severe form of the disease. Causes of RA - Genetics, infectious triggers, cigarette smoking, decaffinated coffe consumtpion Decreases risks of RA - Oral contraceptions, particularly higher dose estrogen therapy Synovial joint - Also called a diarthrodial joint is composed of two bones held together by fibrous capsule that is lined with synovium. The two bones are capped with cartilage and are separated by a thin layer of synovial fluid. Together they permit frictionless movement of the joint Function of the Synoviium - Provides nutrients to the avsacular cartilage. Produces hyalauonic acid that lubricates the joint. Produces collagen and fibronectin used for the synovial matrix Immunologic elements involved in the development of RA - T-Cells, machrophage/fibroblasts and B-Cells. Initially THelper 1 (TH1) CD4 cellsa re believed to be the key to th inflamatoory process. Chronic Synovitis - A progressive process manifested by hypertroophy of the cells lining the synovium, neo-angiogenesis (the growth of new blood vessels)....An influx of TNFs into the synovium activates the prodcutionof other inflammtory cytokines and the fluid in the synovial cavity produces efffusions (fluid in the joint cavity). (4) Pannus Formation, the end product of this process Pannus Formation / Pannus - _________ ____________is the end product of the synovitis processs--the inflammation of the synovial tissue, microvascular injury and the profound proliferation and hypertrophy of the synovial tissue called ______.