Page 122 - The Miracle of the Blood and Heart

THE MIRACLE OF THE
BLOOD AND HEART

Intelligent Bodyguards in the Blood:
Complement Molecules
The white blood cells, or leukocytes, which come in sever-
al cell types, have been programmed to war against anything
that might do you harm, right from the moment you drew
your first breath. The lack of even the smallest component of
this impeccable mechanism could lead to you dying from a
simple illness.
In addition to this perfect system in your body, there are
guards who remain active even if you do not actually fall ill.
These bodyguards have been programmed to attack every cell
in your body, from birth until death. What is astounding is
that though they exist in order to protect the body, they regard
all the cells that comprise that body as hostile.
The system they comprise is known as the complement sys-
tem. Complement molecules consist of 20 different proteins,
produced in the liver, from where they enter the bloodstream.
Under normal conditions, these cells that move haphazardly
in the veins and arteries have no effect. But when aroused,
they suddenly decide to destroy all the cells they detect.
The stimulus they receive is spread throughout the body
by means of a single complement cell; and upon receiving this
signal, they are unable to distinguish friend from foe in the
body. They may therefore attach themselves to the body's own
cells and seek to destroy them. Yet they are not actually per-
mitted to do so, because the body cells possess the capacity to
defend themselves. They recognize the complement cells the
moment they encounter them. As soon as complement
cells contact a body cell, the body's own cells neu-
tralize them. This way, the body is prevented from
Harun
Yahya

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