🏥 USMLE Exam Prep

The complement system is activated via three pathways:

A Only one pathway
B Classical (antibody-antigen), lectin (mannose), and alternative (C3 tickover) pathways
C Only innate immunity
D Antibody pathway only

✓ Correct Answer: Option B

Complement activation: Classical (C1q binds Ab-Ag complex), Lectin (MBL binds mannose on pathogen), Alternative (spontaneous C3 hydrolysis). All converge at C3 convertase → MAC (C5b-9).

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