Which statement best describes rheumatoid arthritis?

• A. Degenerative wear-and-tear of cartilage with no inflammation
• B. Systemic inflammation of the synovial joints
• C. Infection of the joints by bacteria
• D. All symptoms resolve spontaneously within a week

Answer: (B)

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune inflammatory disease that targets the synovial lining of joints. In RA, the immune system drives persistent inflammation in the joint capsule (synovitis), leading to thickening of the synovium, formation of pannus, and subsequent destruction of cartilage and bone. This causes the characteristic symmetric joint pain and swelling, often in small joints of the hands and feet, with morning stiffness that lasts longer than typical for noninflammatory conditions. Because it’s systemic, RA can also produce fatigue, low-grade fevers, anemia, and extra-articular features beyond the joints. The description “systemic inflammation of the synovial joints” best captures this autoimmune, inflammatory, and joint-wide process, as opposed to osteoarthritis (degenerative wear-and-tear without significant inflammation), septic arthritis (joint infection), or conditions that resolve quickly on their own. Treatments aim to reduce inflammation and slow progression with disease-modifying therapies.