What are the 3 major components of hyaline cartilage?
70% H2O + 10% type II collagen + 8% proteoglycans

Which joints are most commonly affected in osteoarthritis in men vs. women?

What are the 3 phases of changes to chondrocytes seen with the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis?
Which cytokines and diffusable factors have been implicated in the pathogenesis in osteoarthritis?
What are 3 characteristic morphological findings of osteoarthritis?

Deep, achy pain that worsens with use, morning stiffness, crepitus, and limitation of ROM is characteristic of what?
Osteoarthritis

What are the prominent osteophytes which may form at the PIP and DIP joints of pt with osteoarthritis called?

Which joint disease may progress to deformity with time and which may progress to fusion?
OA is a disease of what vs. RA?

Which inflammatory cells may initiate the autoimmune response in RA and how?
CD4+ T helper cell by reacting with an arthritogenic agent, perhaps microbial or a self-antigen
What are the most important cytokines isolated from the inflammed joint in person with RA; what is their role in the disease?
Which cytokine has been most firmly implicated in the pathogenesis of RA?
TNF
Many of the autoantibodies produced in the lymphoid organs and in the synovium of pt with RA are specific for what?
Citrullinated peptides (CCPs)
What are 2 genetic factors associated with RA?
HLA-DRB1 alleles & PTPN22 gene
What are 5 characteristic histologic features of RA?

Which characteristic mass of edematous synovium, inflammatory cells, granulation tissue, and fibroblasts growing over articular cartilage is seen in joints affected by RA?
Pannus

With time in RA, the pannus bridges apposing bones to form what?
Fibrous ankylosis, which eventually ossifies and results in fusion of the bones, called bony ankylosis

Which skin lesions are commonly seen in RA, what is their morphology?

Where are rheumatoid nodules most commonly seen?
Extensor surfaces at pressure points
How may the blood vessels of patient with RA be affected and which vessels specifically?

Inflammation in the tendons, ligaments, and occassionally adjacent skeletal muscle accompanying RA produces what characteristic findings in the hands?

What are the radiographic hallmarks of RA?
Joint effusions and juxta-articular osteopenia w/ erosions and narrowing of the joint space + loss of articular cartilage

Diagnosis of RA, especially with presence of multisystem involvement, is supported by what 3 findings?
How do the joints being affected differ between OA and RA?
