Complement
Complement (medicine)
Complement (pronounced: /ˈkɒmplɪmənt/) is a complex system of proteins that work together to support the immune system and fight off infections.
Etymology
The term "complement" comes from the Latin word "complere", which means "to fill up" or "complete". This is because the complement system completes the action of antibodies in destroying bacteria.
Definition
In the context of immunology, the complement system refers to a group of proteins found in the blood that play a crucial role in the body's immune response. These proteins work in a cascade-like manner to identify and eliminate pathogens such as bacteria and viruses.
Function
The complement system functions in three pathways: the classical pathway, the alternative pathway, and the lectin pathway. Each pathway involves a series of reactions that lead to the activation of the next protein in the sequence, ultimately resulting in the formation of a membrane attack complex (MAC) that can destroy the pathogen.
Related Terms
- Antibody: A protein produced by the body's immune system when it detects harmful substances, called antigens.
- Pathogen: A bacterium, virus, or other microorganism that can cause disease.
- Membrane attack complex (MAC): A structure that forms on the surface of pathogen cells as a result of the complement system, leading to cell lysis and death.
Disorders of the Complement System
Disorders of the complement system can lead to a variety of diseases, including immune complex diseases, hereditary angioedema, and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. These disorders can be caused by deficiencies in complement proteins or by the uncontrolled activation of the complement system.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Complement
- Wikipedia's article - Complement
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