Arthritis: Arthritis, is caused by inflammation and swelling of the cartilage and lining of the joints, generally accompanied by an increase in the fluid in the joints.
Mucosa associated lymphoid tissue (MALT): Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) is scattered along mucosal linings and protects the body from antigens entering along mucosal surfaces.
Autoimmune disease: When the immune system mistakes self tissues (self antigens) as foreign antigen (non self) and results in an inappropriate immune response it results in an autoimmune disease.
Gastroenterologist: A physician who is specialized in digestive diseases.
Endoscope: A device which has a light attached to it and is used to look inside a body cavity or organ. The endoscope is inserted through a natural opening, like mouth, rectum or vagina. A medical procedure using any type of endoscope is called endoscopy.