How Cystic Fibrosis Affects the Body

Section A of the illustration shows the organs that may be affected by cystic fibrosis.

Section B shows a normal airway with a thin layer of mucus lining the airway epithelial wall.

Section C shows an airway with cystic fibrosis. The widened airway is blocked by thick, viscid mucus that contains sanguineous or purulent material, often including infectious organisms such as bacteria.