The superfamily of phospholipase A₂ (PLA₂α) enzymes implicated in arachidonic acid release has grown in number with members having different structural characteristics, substrate specificity, calcium dependency and cellular localization. Despite this growing complexity and multiple attacks on its position as the reigning monarch of this superfamily, the 85 kDa cytosolic PLA₂α continues to rule supreme, having a primary role in many pathophysiological conditions. The most recent addition to the list of accolades of this enzyme is reflected in two important papers in which the use of the cytosolic cPLA₂α (cPLA₂α)-null mouse demonstrates crucial roles of this enzyme in collagen-induced arthritis and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂)-mediated bone resorption associated with inflammation.