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Question #45797

Difficulty: 8/10 | 🟢 Free

The Question

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and age-related osteoporosis are skeletal disorders that ultimately compromise bone integrity, yet their pathogenesis involving calcium dynamics and cellular mediators differs significantly. Which of the following statements regarding these disorders is INCORRECT?

Options

  • A.

    RA is initiated by autoimmune inflammation of the synovial membrane, whereas osteoporosis is a systemic metabolic disorder characterized by a generalized decrease in bone mass.

  • B.

    In chronic RA, an inflammatory cytokine storm locally stimulates RANKL expression, which hyperactivates osteoclasts and leads to erosive bone loss at the joint.

  • C.

    Both conditions involve aberrant osteoclast activity, but osteoporosis is primarily driven by the systemic withdrawal of estrogen's inhibitory effect on osteoclasts.

  • D.

    The localized bone destruction in RA is a direct result of inflammatory cytokines stimulating osteoblasts to rapidly mineralize the synovial fluid, causing mechanical friction.

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Correct Answer

Step-by-Step Solution

Explanation

How the Examiner Thinks

Comparative_Analysis

Sharpen your ability to evaluate multiple scenarios and distinguish between competing potential answers.

Concepts Behind This Question

Hydroxyapatite|Osteoclasts|TNF-alpha

Why This Question Is Tricky

Common Mistakes

Conceptual Pivot: Confusing the cellular mediators of bone destruction.

Students often misinterpret the formation of 'pannus' (inflamed synovial tissue) in RA as abnormal bone mineralization by osteoblasts.

The trap relies on functional inversion: attributing bone erosion to osteoblast-mediated calcification rather than cytokine-driven osteoclast hyperactivation.

Quick Facts About This Question

Question Information

SubjectBiology
ChapterLocomotion and Movement - Class 11
ConceptCalcium Dynamics
Difficulty8
Cognitive Load5
Target Solve Time120 sec
AccessFree