<P> The complement system consists of a number of small proteins found in the blood , in general synthesized by the liver , and normally circulating as inactive precursors ( pro-proteins ) . When stimulated by one of several triggers , proteases in the system cleave specific proteins to release cytokines and initiate an amplifying cascade of further cleavages . The end result of this complement activation or complement fixation cascade is stimulation of phagocytes to clear foreign and damaged material , proxy inflammation to attract additional phagocytes , and activation of the cell - killing membrane attack complex . Over 30 proteins and protein fragments make up the complement system , including serum proteins , serosal proteins , and cell membrane receptors . They account for about 10 % of the globulin fraction of blood serum and can serve as opsonins . </P>
what is the outcome of the complement cascade
stimulation of phagocytes to clear foreign and damaged material proxy inflammation to attract additional phagocytes activation of the cell - killing membrane attack complex