Question

Inflammation of the synovial joints in rheumatoid arthritis includes this change in the synovial fluid. a. Influx of macrophages and activated T cells b. Loss of hyaluronic acid c. Thinning of the synovial membrane d. Presence of the bacterium Klebsiella

Short answer

Answer: The characteristic change in synovial fluid during the inflammation of synovial joints in rheumatoid arthritis is the influx of macrophages and activated T cells.

Step-by-step solution

Understand rheumatoid arthritis and synovial fluid

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the synovial joints. The synovial fluid is a thick, viscous fluid found in the synovial joints, which lubricates the joint and provides nutrients to the joint cartilage.

Examine each option

We'll now examine each of the given options: a. Influx of macrophages and activated T cells - The immune system plays a crucial role in rheumatoid arthritis, and these immune cells contribute to the inflammation and destruction in joint tissues. b. Loss of hyaluronic acid - Hyaluronic acid is a key component of synovial fluid and contributes to its lubricating properties. In the setting of rheumatoid arthritis, hyaluronic acid concentration might be reduced, but this is not the primary characteristic change. c. Thinning of the synovial membrane - Thinning of the synovial membrane is not a characteristic change during inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. Instead, the synovial membrane thickens due to an increase in immune cell infiltration and proliferation of synovial cells. d. Presence of the bacterium Klebsiella - Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, not an infection caused by a bacterium like Klebsiella.

Identify the correct answer

Based on the analysis in Step 2, the correct answer is (a) Influx of macrophages and activated T cells. This option best describes the change in synovial fluid during the inflammation of synovial joints in rheumatoid arthritis.