Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder affecting the musculoskeletal system by causing inflammation in synovial joints, leading to joint damage and pai
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that primarily targets the synovial joints, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness. Being an autoimmune disorder, RA involves the body's immune system attacking the synovium—resulting in the breakdown of cartilage and causing the bones to rub against each other, intensifying the pain. Given the systems involved in this disorder—joints and immune response—RA principally affects the musculoskeletal system.
Moreover, it can have systemic effects and may also impact other systems such as the respiratory and cardiovascular systems in more chronic cases.
So, rheumatoid arthritis predominantly affects the musculoskeletal system but, given its autoimmune nature, can also have wider effects on the body.