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Mucus is a clear, slippery, gel-like substance that’s part of your immune system. It lines your mucous membranes and helps trap and destroy or clear out germs and harmful particles. It’s also called phlegm, snot or sputum . SPUTUM definition : 1. liquid from the passages in your body that go to the lungs 2. liquid from the passages in your…. Learn more. Sputum is not saliva but the thick mucus (sometimes called phlegm) which is coughed up from the lungs. The body produces mucus to keep the thin, delicate tissues of the respiratory tract moist so that small particles of foreign matter that may pose a threat can be trapped and forced out. What is the significance of different sputum types? Type Characteristics Associated pathology Purulent Thick, yellow/green sputum Infectious – pneumonia, bronchiectasis and abscess Mucoid Clear, grey/white Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma Serous Clear, frothy, can be pink Pulmonary oedema Blood Blood Malignancy, pulmonary embolus, clotting disorders, infection Click here to learn how to […]