How and why is it that goblet cells define what a mucous membrane is?”
These are found scattered among other cells in the epithelium of many organs, especially in the intestinal and respiratory tracts. In some areas, their numbers are rather small relative to other cell types, while in tissues such as the colon, they are much more abundant. Pathophysiology Goblet cells have the ability to differentiate into other cell types. A well-studied example of this is found in the respiratory tract, where goblet cells appear to be a progenitor to ciliated epithelial cells. Increased numbers of goblet cells are observed in several disease states. Chronic brochitis and cystic fibrosis are examples of diseases in which goblet cell hyperplasia or metaplasia occurs.
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.[1] They are found inside the trachea, bronchus, and larger bronchioles in respiratory tract, small intestines and the colon. They may be an indication of metaplasia, such as in Barrett’s esophagus. 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
