| Popis: |
In health, airway secretions are present as a bilayer with the periciliary fluid interposed between the epithelium and the mucous gel. In the airway, the mucous gel is primarily produced by mucous (goblet) cells and submucous glands. Mucus is a nonhomogeneous, adhesive, viscoelastic gel consisting of water and high molecular weight, slip-linked glycoproteins mixed with serum and cellular proteins (albumin, enzymes, and immunoglobulins) and lipids [1]. There are variable amounts of cell debris and particulate matter in normal mucus. Mucus is usually cleared by airflow and ciliary interactions. Sputum, which is mucus mixed with inflammatory cells, cellular debris, and bacteria, is generally cleared by cough. |
