Glossary
Stem cells: Immature cells in the body that have the ability to develop into any of several types of specialized cells, as needed. Stem cells are being used in experimental therapies aimed at some autoimmune diseases because they have the capacity to repair damage and resolve the destructive autoimmune process.
Synovectomy: The removal a diseased joint lining (see synovium).
Synovial fluid: A slippery liquid secreted by the synovium that lubricates the joint, reducing friction between bones and making movement easier.
Synovitis: Inflammation of the synovium, the membrane that lines a joint. Synovitis is a common feature of inflammatory forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Systemic: Refers to a disease that affects organ systems of the body, rather than only a specific joint or joints. An example is rheumatoid arthritis, in which inflammation can occur not only in joints, but also in the heart and blood vessels of the cardiovascular system and the lungs of the respiratory system.
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