FACT
WATCH:Visualise
osteoarthritis
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SHORTCODEat
http://www.everythingscience.co.zaFigure 7.24: Bone marrow derived cells with bone below it showing the typical distinguishing char-
acteristics of the osteoporosis cells: large cells with multiple nuclei and a ‘foamy’ cytosol.
Figure 7.25: Pictures illustrating the onset of osteoporosis.Arthritis
Figure 7.26: The hands shown have been affected by arthritis.Arthritis is a diseases caused by disorders of joints or inflammation of them. There are
several types of arthritis. The hand of an individual affected by a particular form of arthritis
called rheumatoid arthritis can be seen in Figure 7.26. It is caused by an individual’s cells
being attacked by their own immune system and is known as anauto-immune disorder.
The immune system attacks the body tissues and most damage occurs in the cartilage found
between joints.
Arthritis can also be caused by the daily wear-and-tear of a joint, when bones constantly rub
against each other. It can affect the hands, the knee, feet, hip and back. It usually affects
the elderly but can also result from an injury. The disease can also result from a lifestyle
characterised by lack of exercise.
Arthritis cannot be cured. However, in rare cases joint replacement is available.
Chapter 7. Support systems in animals 215