Answer :
Final answer:
Ankylosing spondylitis is an autoimmune, chronic inflammatory disorder focusing on the spine and potentially other joints, marked by pain, stiffness, and possible vertebrae fusion. It differs from degenerative disc disease and osteoporosis by its autoimmune nature and inflammation of entheses. Therefore, option a) Inflammatory arthritis affecting the spine is the correct answer.
Explanation:
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is best described as a) Inflammatory arthritis affecting the spine and b) Chronic inflammatory disorder. This condition is characterized by inflammation of the spinal joints (vertebrae) that can lead to severe, chronic pain and discomfort. Notably, AS is an autoimmune disease, meaning it occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, specifically in the spine and sometimes in other joints or organs. The hallmark feature of AS is the enthesitis, or inflammation where ligaments and tendons attach to bones, primarily affecting the spine but potentially involving other areas like the hips, shoulders, and knees.
Unlike degenerative disc disease, which results from wear and tear on the spinal discs, or osteoporosis, which involves reduced bone mass and density, ankylosing spondylitis specifically targets the enthesis and can lead to the fusion of the vertebrae, significantly impacting flexibility and posture. This pathology underlines the autoimmune response in ankylosing spondylitis, where immune cells target healthy spine tissues, leading to inflammation and chronic pain.
