Goblet Cells

General Information
Latin	cellula caliciformis
Greek
TA98
TA2
FMA
Details
System	Digestive system, Respiratory system
Artery
Vein
Nerve
Lymphatic drainage
Precursor
Function	Secretion of mucus
Identifiers
Clinical significance
Notes

Goblet cells are specialized epithelial cells found in the mucous membranes of various organs, including the intestine and respiratory tract. They are named for their distinctive goblet-like shape and are primarily responsible for the secretion of mucus.

Structure

Goblet cells are unicellular glandular cells that are interspersed among the columnar epithelial cells of the mucosa. They have a narrow base and a wider apex, which gives them their characteristic goblet shape. The cytoplasm of goblet cells is filled with mucinogen granules, which are precursors to mucus.

Function

The primary function of goblet cells is the production and secretion of mucus. Mucus is a viscous fluid that serves several important roles:

• Protection: Mucus forms a protective barrier on the epithelial surfaces, preventing damage from pathogens, toxins, and mechanical stress.
• Lubrication: In the gastrointestinal tract, mucus facilitates the smooth passage of food.
• Immune function: Mucus traps microorganisms and contains antimicrobial peptides and immunoglobulins that help in the immune defense.

Location

Goblet cells are predominantly found in the following locations:

• Intestinal tract: Particularly abundant in the small intestine and large intestine, where they contribute to the formation of the mucosal barrier.
• Respiratory tract: Present in the trachea and bronchi, where they help trap inhaled particles and pathogens.
• Conjunctiva of the eye: Contributing to the tear film and ocular surface protection.

Clinical significance

Goblet cell dysfunction can lead to various medical conditions:

• Cystic fibrosis: A genetic disorder that affects mucus production and leads to thick, sticky mucus that can obstruct airways and ducts.
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease can alter goblet cell function and mucus production.
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): Characterized by increased mucus production and goblet cell hyperplasia.

See also

• Epithelial tissue
• Mucus
• Mucin
• Glandular epithelium

References

,

 Functional biology of intestinal goblet cells, 
 American Journal of Physiology, 
 1991, 
 Vol. 260(Issue: 2 Pt 1), 
 pp. C183–C193, 
  
 PMID: 1996641,

Barbara,

 Wheater's Functional Histology: A Text and Colour Atlas, 
 5th edition, 
 Elsevier Health Sciences, 
 2006, 
  
  
 ISBN 978-0-443-06850-8,

External links

• Goblet Cells on WikiMD