Here I break down the confusing system that is the ire of medical learners who aim to memorize it, only to forget it later. Join me on a medieval journey that will help you visualize this complex system in a way that will stay with you.

Brought to you by GSK. Consider the long-term impact of disease activity flares and corticosteroid use on patients with active SLE. Learn more now at treatfortodayandtomorrow.com.

• Intro :10
• Welcome :24
• How do you explain the complement system? :44
• What is the complement system? 1:39
• How does it complement the adaptive immunity? 3:43
• Two major aspects of the complement system 4:50
• Formation of the membrane attack complex 5:21
• Why is this pathway so confusing? 5:55
• Why do I have to memorize all of this? 8:33
• Let’s talk about the cascades themselves 11:15
• Breaking down the three pathways 12:55

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• The alternative pathway – walking to the beat of its own drum 16:15
• A medieval tale of the classic and lectin pathway 22:36
• The tale of the alternative pathway 28:00
• Summary 31:55
• In the next episode 32:40

Disclosures: Brown reports no relevant financial disclosures.

We’d love to hear from you! Send your comments/questions to Dr. Brown at [email protected]. Follow us on Twitter @HRheuminations @AdamJBrownMD @HealioRheum

References:

Music: The Medieval Banquet by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com