How is lung plegm produced?

Question

I'm not asking what causes it, like smoking, illness, allergies, etc. I'm asking about the scientific process of its manufacture in medical terms. Any resource links would be appreciated. Thanks!

Answer 1

Phlegm, or rather, sputum in the lungs is produced as a cleansing mechanism. There are 2 types of cells in the lungs that work to produce sputum, goblet cells (produce a more gelatinous secretion) and bronchial glands (produce a thinner, more watery substance). There are actually 2 layers in normal sputum, a "sol" layer which is more watery, and a thicker "superficial viscous" gel layer. There are tiny hair-like projections which line the airways, called cilia. These cilia move in a wave-like fashion to move the sputum up and out of the airways. Foreign particles or irritants are trapped by the sputum, and the cilia move this sputum up as a cleaning mechanism, and then we cough, which completes the cleaning cycle.

The actual definition of sputum is "a complex fluid containing mucoprotein, electrolytes, water, and cellular debris."

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

phlegm is the thick ,slimy matter secreted in the throat,and discharged by coughing.it is one of the four original "humors"
(not funny)in old physiology.
it is any fluid or semifluid in the body

Answer 3

The things mentioned cause infection.