HEMOLYTIC COMPLEMENT Meaning and
Definition
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Hemolytic Complement refers to a group of small proteins in the blood that play a crucial role in the body's immune response against foreign substances such as bacteria and other pathogens. The complement system works in concert with other components of the immune system to help destroy and eliminate these invaders.
The term "hemolytic" indicates that the complement proteins have the ability to cause the destruction (lysis) of red blood cells. This hemolytic activity is observed in one of the functional pathways of the complement system known as the classical pathway. The classical pathway is typically activated when antibodies bind to antigens present on the surface of foreign cells or particles.
Once activated, the hemolytic complement proteins work by forming a complex called the membrane attack complex (MAC) on the surface of the foreign cells. This complex punches holes in the cell membrane, leading to the disruption of the normal functioning and ultimately causing the cell to burst, or lyse.
The hemolytic complement system serves not only as an effector mechanism of the immune response but also regulates various immune functions, including inflammation and immune cell activation. Deficiencies or abnormalities in the hemolytic complement proteins can lead to an increased susceptibility to infections and autoimmune diseases.
In summary, the hemolytic complement refers to a group of blood proteins that are involved in the immune response by lysing foreign cells and particles, thereby contributing to the body's defense against pathogens.
Common Misspellings for HEMOLYTIC COMPLEMENT
- gemolytic complement
- bemolytic complement
- nemolytic complement
- jemolytic complement
- uemolytic complement
- yemolytic complement
- hwmolytic complement
- hsmolytic complement
- hdmolytic complement
- hrmolytic complement
- h4molytic complement
- h3molytic complement
- henolytic complement
- hekolytic complement
- hejolytic complement
- hemilytic complement
- hemklytic complement
- hemllytic complement
- hemplytic complement
- hem0lytic complement
Etymology of HEMOLYTIC COMPLEMENT
The word "hemolytic" originated from the Greek word "haima" meaning "blood" and "lysis" meaning "to burst or dissolve". In this context, "hemolytic" refers to the destruction or dissolution of red blood cells.
The word "complement" comes from the Latin word "complementum", which means "that which completes or fills up". In the context of immunology, "complement" refers to a group of proteins in the blood serum that complements the actions of antibodies in defending against pathogens.
Therefore, "hemolytic complement" refers to the group of proteins in the blood that are responsible for the destruction or dissolution of red blood cells, working in conjunction with antibodies to protect against pathogens.
