Which tissue is primarily affected in rheumatoid arthritis?

Study for the CMS II Rheumatology E1 Test. Boost your knowledge with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question includes helpful hints and explanations. Prepare to excel on your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which tissue is primarily affected in rheumatoid arthritis?

Explanation:
Rheumatoid arthritis primarily targets the synovial lining of joints. In RA, the synovium becomes inflamed and proliferates, forming pannus that invades and destroys adjacent cartilage and subchondral bone. This makes the synovium the main tissue affected early in the disease. Damage to cartilage and bone happens as a secondary result of the chronic synovitis, and tendons may become involved as the disease progresses, but the initiating and defining tissue is the synovium.

Rheumatoid arthritis primarily targets the synovial lining of joints. In RA, the synovium becomes inflamed and proliferates, forming pannus that invades and destroys adjacent cartilage and subchondral bone. This makes the synovium the main tissue affected early in the disease. Damage to cartilage and bone happens as a secondary result of the chronic synovitis, and tendons may become involved as the disease progresses, but the initiating and defining tissue is the synovium.

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