Enhance your HOSA Dental Terminology knowledge with our quiz. Engage with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, all with hints and explanations. Excel in your exam preparation!

Practice this question and more.


What is sputum?

  1. a fluid found in the lungs

  2. matter ejected from the mouth

  3. saliva mixed with blood

  4. secretions from the stomach

The correct answer is: matter ejected from the mouth

Sputum is defined as matter that is ejected from the mouth, particularly from the respiratory tract. This can include mucus or phlegm that is produced in the lungs and expel through coughing. The term is commonly used in medical contexts to describe the mixture of saliva and mucus that may also contain other substances such as pus or blood, particularly in cases of infection or other respiratory issues. Understanding sputum is essential in clinical scenarios as it can provide valuable information about a patient’s condition, such as the presence of infections or diseases affecting the lungs or airways. This definition aligns with various medical descriptions and standards focusing on respiratory health, making it critical knowledge for anyone studying dental or medical terminology.