Final answer:
Gout is a joint disorder caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to severe pain and inflammation. The correct answer to the student's question is b) Uric acid crystals build up in the joints, resulting in painful body movements.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gout is a joint disorder that is characterized by sudden and severe episodes of pain, tenderness, redness, warmth, and swelling in some joints, often the joint at the base of the big toe. This condition occurs due to the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, which causes intense pain and inflammation. The pain from gout arises because these crystals irritate the joint, leading to swelling and exacerbating pain during movement. While diet is a factor, the primary issue is the body's handling of uric acid, either producing too much or not excreting enough through the kidneys. In response to the student's question, option b, "Uric acid crystals build up in the joints, resulting in painful body movements," is the correct answer for why gout often results in pain. Gout, being a complex form of arthritis, can vary in frequency and severity but often affects diet and lifestyle factors that influence uric acid levels.