University of Central Florida (UCF) HSC4558 Pathophysiology II Final Practice Exam

The pathological lesion characterized by vascularized tissue containing lymphocytes, macrophages, fibroblasts, and mast cells, frequently associated with rheumatoid arthritis, is identified as pannus. In rheumatoid arthritis, pannus is formed as a result of chronic inflammation in the synovial membrane. This abnormal tissue grows aggressively and invades surrounding cartilage and bone, leading to joint destruction and functional impairment.

Pannus is crucial to understanding the inflammatory processes in rheumatoid arthritis as it represents an exaggerated immune response, where immune cells infiltrate and perpetuate inflammation. This results in synovitis, which is key to the pathophysiology of the disease. The components within the pannus, such as lymphocytes and macrophages, contribute to the autoimmune mechanisms driving joint damage. The formation of this tissue is a hallmark of rheumatoid arthritis and plays a significant role in its clinical manifestations.