Connective tissue diseases
Connective Tissue Diseases
Connective tissue diseases (pronunciation: kuh-nek-tiv tish-oo dih-zeez) are a group of medical conditions that primarily affect the body's connective tissues. These tissues include the ligaments, tendons, cartilage, bones, and skin, which provide structure and support to the body.
Etymology
The term "connective tissue diseases" is derived from the Latin words 'coniunctivus' meaning 'connecting' and 'tissue' from the French 'tissu' meaning 'woven', and the Greek word 'disease' meaning 'lack of ease'.
Types of Connective Tissue Diseases
There are several types of connective tissue diseases, including:
- Rheumatoid arthritis: A chronic inflammatory disorder affecting many joints, including those in the hands and feet.
- Systemic lupus erythematosus: An autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue in many parts of the body.
- Scleroderma: A group of rare diseases that involve the hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues.
- Marfan syndrome: A genetic disorder that affects the body's connective tissue.
- Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: A group of disorders that affect the connective tissues supporting the skin, blood vessels, and many other organs and tissues.
Symptoms
Symptoms of connective tissue diseases can vary greatly depending on the specific disease and the tissues involved but may include:
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Skin rashes
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Swelling in the joints or other parts of the body
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis of connective tissue diseases typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and various laboratory tests. Treatment options can include medication, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Connective tissue diseases
- Wikipedia's article - Connective tissue diseases
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