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OSThe complement system doesn't generate compliments for you... but it does help destroy pathogens in your body! Learn all about it in today's #ClinicalCuts.
The complement system refers to a group of plasma proteins called the complement proteins, which are produced in the liver, and act collectively to help destroy pathogens. Think of them like a little militia that “complement” the work of antibodies.
There are actually three complement pathways:
• The classical pathway: called that because it was discovered first
• The alternative pathway: which was found second and is always at work
• The Lectin binding pathway: found third when folks got more descriptive with their naming
All three pathways start out a bit differently, but they end the same way with a membrane attack complex called the MAC. It is a protein complex that creates a hole in a bacterial cell membrane, effectively destroying mainly gram-negative bacteria.
Find the full explanation and video for the complement system on Osmosis, link in bio. #osmosis #learnbyosmosis #reels #explorepage #physician #medicine #medicalschool #medstudent #studentdoctor #doctorsofinstagram #nurse #nursing #nursingstudent #nursingschool #studentnurse #nursesofinstagram #healthcareheroes #scrublife #md #do #omt #pa #rn #np #lpn #complementsystem #immunesystem #physiology #pathology
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