Goblet cell

What is a Goblet Cell?

Goblet cells are special cells in our bodies that make and release a slippery gel-like substance called mucus. They are found in places like the lungs and the lower part of the digestive system, where they help keep surfaces moist and protected. These cells look like little goblets or cups because they are filled with tiny droplets of mucus.

How Do Goblet Cells Work?

Goblet cells mainly release mucus through a process called merocrine secretion, where tiny packets of mucus are sent out into a small passage. But when they are under stress, they can use another method where a bit of the cell itself buds off with the mucus.

Why Are Goblet Cells Important?

These cells are important because they help keep the linings of our airways and digestive system wet and smooth. However, when there are too many goblet cells or they make too much mucus, it can lead to problems like chronic bronchitis and asthma, making it harder to breathe.

Structure

Goblet cells are special cells found in places like the intestinal and respiratory tracts. You can find them inside the trachea, bronchi, and larger bronchioles in the breathing system. They are also in the small intestines, the large intestine, and the conjunctiva of the upper eyelid.

These cells are tall and narrow. They have special granules filled with mucin near the top part of the cell.

Function

Goblet cells help protect parts of our body by making and releasing mucus. Mucus is a gel-like substance that keeps things slippery.

In our intestines, mucus makes a thin layer that keeps the walls smooth. In the airways, mucus helps trap dust and smoke, and tiny hair-like structures move the mucus out. This keeps our airways clean.

Goblet cells always make new mucus to replace what’s already there. When we breathe in things that irritate our airways, goblet cells may release more mucus to protect us.

Clinical significance

When a person has allergic asthma, their airway cells make a lot of thick mucus. This mucus clogs the airways and makes it hard to breathe. This change in cells is called goblet cell metaplasia.

Some rare tumors called goblet cell carcinoids grow from too many goblet cells and special cells called neuroendocrine cells. These tumors often start in the appendix and can cause similar symptoms to a common condition called acute appendicitis. The main way to treat these tumors is by removing the appendix, and sometimes more of the intestine may need to be removed as well.

In a condition called Barrett's esophagus, the cells lining the esophagus change to include goblet cells, similar to cells found in the intestine. This change is called metaplasia.

History

In 1837, a scientist named Henle found special cells in the lining of the small intestine. Later, in 1857, another scientist named Leydig discovered that these cells made mucus, though he was studying fish skin. Finally, in 1867, a scientist named Schulze named these cells “goblet” because they looked like a small cup. He chose this name because he wasn’t sure what the cells did.

Today, scientists use these cells in labs to test how the body absorbs medicines, using special kits like CacoGoblet.