Final answer:
Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by an autoimmune dysfunction triggering inflammation and joint damage.
Explanation:
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is caused by an autoimmune dysfunction where antibodies and T cells react to antigens in the joints, leading to inflammation and joint damage. One possible explanation for autoimmune responses is molecular mimicry, where antibodies bind self-antigens that resemble pathogen antigens. In the case of RA, this results in chronic inflammatory joint disease.
Learn more about autoimmune diseases here:
https://brainly.com/question/38098426
