Now we must understand the developmental
propagating disease process of RA. Our story begins
with the synovium, which is an armoring
membranous sac encompassing a joint. Inside this
membranous sac resides a lubricating liquid termed
synovial fluid. “In addition to cushioning joints, this
fluid supplies nutrients and oxygen to cartilage, a
slippery tissue that coats the ends of bones.”
Cartilage is mostly made of collagen, which is the
structural protein of the body. It forms a mesh that
gives rise to the characteristics of articulating
flexibility and support. During RA, immune system
abnormal responses manufacture destructive
molecules that cause unceasing
inflammation of the synovium. Bringing about the
destruction of collagen, which in turn narrows the
joint space, and with time—eroding bone. There
exists a form of RA termed progressive rheumatoid
arthritis, where the breaking down of cartilage
undertakes acceleration. Ensuing immune system
cells and excess fluid to collect in the synovium,
producing what’s called a pannus, “a growth
composed of thickened synovial tissue.” Enzymes
are produced by the pannus that attack and destroy
proximal cartilage, provoking the surrounding area
calling even more inflammatory white cells, which
further perpetuates the cycle.
The following reading will be the examination and
critical interpretation of Rheumatoid Arthritis
through the normal anatomy and physiology effected
by RA and normal operation of the medical device(s)
used in diagnoses.
General Anatomy and Physiology
Rheumatoid arthritis primarily effects
joints/articulations, so this will be the focus of this
section. There are three types of joints (fibrous,
cartilaginous, and synovial), because RA primarily
effects synovial joints; that is the one we will more
deeply understand. First let’s define what a joint is.
(Keith, M. L. & others, 2015). “A joint is an
articulation, or the place of union or junction,
between two or more rigid components (bones,
cartilages, or even p