Goblet cell
Goblet cells are simple columnar epithelial cells that secrete gel-forming mucins, like mucin 5AC. The goblet cells mainly use the merocrine method of secretion, secreting vesicles into a duct, but may use apocrine methods, budding off their secretions, when under stress. The term goblet refers to the cell's goblet-like shape. The apical portion is shaped like a cup, as it is distended by abundant mucus laden granules; its basal portion lacks these granules and is shaped like a stem.
| Goblet cell | |
|---|---|
Schematic illustration of a goblet cell in close up, illustrating different internal structures of the cell. | |
Transverse section of a villus, from the human intestine. X 350. a. Basement membrane, here somewhat shrunken away from the epithelium. b. Lacteal. c. Columnar epithelium. d. Its striated border. e. Goblet cells. f. Leucocytes in epithelium. f’. Leucocytes below epithelium. g. Blood vessels. h. Muscle cells cut across. | |
| Details | |
| System | Respiratory system |
| Shape | Simple columnar |
| Function | Mucin-producing epithelial cells |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | exocrimohsinoctus caliciformis |
| MeSH | D020397 |
| TH | H3.04.03.0.00009, H3.04.03.0.00016, H3.05.00.0.00006 |
| FMA | 13148 |
| Anatomical terms of microanatomy | |
The goblet cell is highly polarized with the nucleus and other organelles concentrated at the base of the cell and secretory granules containing mucin, at the apical surface. The apical plasma membrane projects short microvilli to give an increased surface area for secretion.
Goblet cells are typically found in the respiratory, reproductive and gastrointestinal tracts and are surrounded by other columnar cells. Biased differentiation of airway basal cells in the respiratory epithelium, into goblet cells plays a key role in the excessive mucus production, known as mucus hypersecretion seen in many respiratory diseases, including chronic bronchitis, and asthma.