Which of the following is NOT a function of the complement system?

The complement system is an essential part of the immune response, primarily involved in enhancing the ability of antibodies and phagocytic cells to clear pathogens. It plays several critical roles, such as promoting inflammation (which helps recruit immune cells to sites of infection), participating in the lysis of pathogens directly through the formation of the membrane attack complex, and aiding in opsonization, which enhances the phagocytosis of antigens.

Selecting the option regarding involvement in the production of antibodies as the correct answer highlights an important distinction in immune function. The complement system itself does not directly produce antibodies; rather, it works alongside antibodies to enhance their effectiveness against pathogens. Antibodies are produced by B cells and are a part of the adaptive immune response. The role of the complement system is more about acting as a bridge between the innate and adaptive immune systems rather than being involved in the process of antibody production itself.

This careful delineation underscores how different components of the immune system work together to provide a comprehensive defense, but each has distinct roles.