What is the primary target tissue in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis?

What is the primary target tissue in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis?

• A. Cartilage
• B. Synovium
• C. Bone
• D. Tendon

Answer: (B)

Rheumatoid arthritis is driven by autoimmune inflammation that begins in the joint’s lining, the synovial membrane. The primary target tissue is the synovium, which becomes inflamed (synovitis) and proliferates to form pannus. This abnormal synovial tissue aggressively invades and erodes adjacent cartilage and subchondral bone, driven by inflammatory cells and cytokines that stimulate enzymes like matrix metalloproteinases. Cartilage and bone damage occur as a consequence of this synovial-driven destruction, rather than as the initial target. Tendons can be involved later, but the initiating pathology is synovial inflammation.

Rheumatoid arthritis is driven by autoimmune inflammation that begins in the joint’s lining, the synovial membrane. The primary target tissue is the synovium, which becomes inflamed (synovitis) and proliferates to form pannus. This abnormal synovial tissue aggressively invades and erodes adjacent cartilage and subchondral bone, driven by inflammatory cells and cytokines that stimulate enzymes like matrix metalloproteinases. Cartilage and bone damage occur as a consequence of this synovial-driven destruction, rather than as the initial target. Tendons can be involved later, but the initiating pathology is synovial inflammation.