GPT 2.14 Notes Flashcards
(20 cards)
Describe the structure of voluntary muscle.
Striated skeletal muscle controlled consciously by the somatic nervous system
Describe the structure of involuntary muscle.
Non-striated smooth muscle and striated cardiac muscle controlled involuntarily by the autonomic nervous system
What is the role of the neuromuscular junction?
Synapse where motor neuron releases acetylcholine to stimulate skeletal muscle contraction
Define osteoarthritis (OA).
Degenerative joint disease characterized by cartilage loss, subchondral bone sclerosis, and osteophyte formation
Define rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Chronic autoimmune inflammatory arthritis causing synovial membrane inflammation and joint destruction
Compare OA and RA pathologies.
OA: mechanical wear and tear; RA: autoimmune synovitis with systemic inflammation
How does OA typically present clinically?
Joint pain worsened by activity, stiffness lasting <30 min, commonly affects weight-bearing joints
How does RA typically present clinically?
Symmetrical joint pain with prolonged morning stiffness >1 hour, systemic symptoms like fatigue
What are key pathological features of OA?
Cartilage erosion, osteophytes, subchondral cysts, joint space narrowing
What are key pathological features of RA?
Synovial hyperplasia, pannus formation, cartilage and bone erosion
Name other common types of inflammatory arthritis.
Gout, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis
What disabilities result from OA and RA?
OA: reduced joint mobility and pain; RA: joint deformities, loss of function, systemic effects
What are principles of OA management?
Weight loss, physiotherapy, NSAIDs for pain, joint replacement if severe
What are principles of RA management?
Early DMARDs (e.g. methotrexate), corticosteroids, biologics targeting immune pathways
What investigations are used for arthritis?
Clinical exam, X-rays, blood tests (RF, anti-CCP, ESR, CRP), synovial fluid analysis
Explain the pharmacology of NSAIDs in arthritis.
Inhibit COX enzymes reducing prostaglandin synthesis and inflammation
Describe the role of DMARDs in RA.
Suppress immune response to slow joint damage and disease progression
List types of autoimmunity.
Organ-specific (e.g. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis), systemic (e.g. SLE, RA)
What is the aberrant immune response in RA?
Autoantibodies (RF and anti-CCP) target synovium causing chronic inflammation
Name common autoimmune diseases.
Rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes
