Biomaterial Database

Current understanding of rheumatoid arthritis. 1984

H G Fassbender

A full understanding of rheumatoid arthritis depends on the appreciation of clinical, radiological, immunological, genetic, biochemical, and structural mechanisms. Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by the destruction of tissue structures such as articular cartilage and bone, but may also involve tendonous tissue, artery walls, cardial structures, and sclera of the eye. Structural analysis of tissue obtained by biopsy and operation in rheumatoid arthritis patients reveals a complicated mosaic of different components, which are together responsible for the clinical symptoms and destructive nature of the disease.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D011379	Prognosis	A prediction of the probable outcome of a disease based on a individual's condition and the usual course of the disease as seen in similar situations.	Prognostic Factor,Prognostic Factors,Factor, Prognostic,Factors, Prognostic,Prognoses
D001842	Bone and Bones	A specialized CONNECTIVE TISSUE that is the main constituent of the SKELETON. The principal cellular component of bone is comprised of OSTEOBLASTS; OSTEOCYTES; and OSTEOCLASTS, while FIBRILLAR COLLAGENS and hydroxyapatite crystals form the BONE MATRIX.	Bone Tissue,Bone and Bone,Bone,Bones,Bones and Bone,Bones and Bone Tissue,Bony Apophyses,Bony Apophysis,Condyle,Apophyses, Bony,Apophysis, Bony,Bone Tissues,Condyles,Tissue, Bone,Tissues, Bone
D002358	Cartilage, Articular	A protective layer of firm, flexible cartilage over the articulating ends of bones. It provides a smooth surface for joint movement, protecting the ends of long bones from wear at points of contact.	Articular Cartilage,Articular Cartilages,Cartilages, Articular
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D001172	Arthritis, Rheumatoid	A chronic systemic disease, primarily of the joints, marked by inflammatory changes in the synovial membranes and articular structures, widespread fibrinoid degeneration of the collagen fibers in mesenchymal tissues, and by atrophy and rarefaction of bony structures. Etiology is unknown, but autoimmune mechanisms have been implicated.	Rheumatoid Arthritis
D013583	Synovial Membrane	The inner membrane of a joint capsule surrounding a freely movable joint. It is loosely attached to the external fibrous capsule and secretes SYNOVIAL FLUID.	Synovium,Membrana Synovialis Capsulae Articularis,Membrane, Synovial,Membranes, Synovial,Synovial Membranes