Goblet cells are
glandular simple columnar
epithelial cells whose sole function is to secrete
mucus. They use both
apocrine and
merocrine methods for secretion.
The majority of the cell's cytoplasm is occupied by mucinogen granules, except at the bottom. Rough endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, the nucleus, and other organelles are concentrated in the basal portion. The apical plasma membrane projects microvilli to increase surface area for secretion.
Locations
They are found scattered among the epithelial lining of organs, such as the
intestinal and
respiratory tracts.They are found inside the
trachea,
bronchus, and larger
bronchioles in respiratory tract.
Histology
In
mucicarmine stains, deep red mucin found within goblet cell bodies.
The nuclei of goblet cells tend to be displaced toward the basal end of the cell body,leads to intense basophilic staining.
Etymology
The term
goblet refers to these cells' goblet-like shape. The apical portion is shaped like a cup, as it is distended by abundant mucinogen granules; its basal portion is shaped like a stem, as it is narrow for lack of these granules.
There are other cells which secrete mucus (as in the fundic glands of the stomach), but they are not usually called "goblet cells" because they do not have this distinctive shape.
Basal secretion
This is the normal base level secretion of mucus which is accomplished by
cytoskeletal movement of
secretory granules.
Stimulated secretion
Secretion may be stimulated by
dust,
smoke, etc.
Other stimuli include viruses, bacteria, etc.
Additional images
References
External links
