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.

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.

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. In the conjunctiva, these cells help make mucin in tears and put different types of mucins on the ocular surface. In the lacrimal glands, another type of cell called acinar cells makes mucus.

These cells are tall and narrow, about four times taller than they are wide. They have lots of special granules filled with mucin near the top part of the cell. This makes the lower part of the cell look a certain way under a microscope. The mucin can be seen clearly with special staining methods.

Function

Goblet cells help protect parts of our body by making and releasing mucus. Mucus is a special gel-like substance made from big molecules called mucins. These mucins attract water, making the mucus thick and slippery.

In our intestines, mucus creates a thin, protective layer that keeps the walls smooth. In the airways, mucus helps trap dust, smoke, and tiny germs, and tiny hair-like structures called cilia move the mucus out of the lungs. This keeps our airways clean.

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

Clinical significance

When a person has allergic asthma, their airway cells change to 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 noticed special cells while looking at the lining of the small intestine. Later, in 1857, another scientist named Leydig saw that these cells made mucus, though he was studying fish skin. Finally, in 1867, a scientist named Schulze gave these cells their name, “goblet,” because they looked like a small cup. He chose this name because he wasn’t sure exactly what the cells did.

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