Question

What is the primary difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?

a) Osteoarthritis is an autoimmune disease, while RA is not.
b) Osteoarthritis primarily affects the joints, while RA affects multiple body systems.
c) Osteoarthritis is more common in young adults, while RA is common in the elderly.
d) Osteoarthritis is characterized by joint inflammation, while RA is not.

Answer 1

The main difference between osteoarthritis and RA is that RA is an autoimmune disease causing the immune system to attack healthy joints, which is not the case with osteoarthritis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The primary difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is that RA is an autoimmune disease, whereas osteoarthritis is not. In RA, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joints, leading to inflammation, pain, and degeneration of the cartilage and bone. Osteoarthritis, on the other hand, is typically a result of the normal wear and tear of joints, leading to the breakdown of cartilage and bony changes. Unlike RA, osteoarthritis does not involve an autoimmune response. RA is more common in middle-aged individuals, especially women, while osteoarthritis can develop with age and be more likely in the elderly.