has part goblet cell A specialized, columnar, mucus secreting epithelial cell shaped like a flask or goblet. A narrow basal end contains the nucleus while the apical end is swollen by the accumulation of mucus laden secretory granules. Short microvilli project from the apical plasma membrane. Goblet cells are specialized, simple columnar, secretory epithelial cells that are mostly found in the respiratory and intestinal tracts. The term "goblet" refers to their shape, which resembles a flask or goblet, specially at their apical end which is swollen due to the accumulation of secretory granules. The primary function of goblet cells is to to protect and lubricate the underlying tissues by secreting large quantities of mucin, a complex glycoprotein, which forms mucus when hydrated. In the respiratory tract, the mucus secreted by these cells traps dust, bacteria, viruses, and other potentially harmful particles in the inhaled air, preventing them from reaching the delicate tissues of the lungs. In the intestines, the goblet cells secrete mucus that acts as a protective barrier shielding the intestinal epithelium from dietary antigens, pathogens and prevents the intestinal epithelium from being eroded by the actions of the digestive enzymes and the abrasive action of passing food material. Goblet cells are capable of rapidly altering their secretory output in response to stimuli. For example, irritants like smoke or dust can trigger an increased rate of mucus production, as the body attempts to flush out the harmful particles. Conversely, in conditions such as chronic bronchitis and cystic fibrosis, overactive goblet cells can create a thick accumulation of mucus that obstructs the airways and fosters bacterial growth. Lastly, goblet cells are not static, rather, they undergo a dynamic process known as goblet cell metaplasia-differentiation, wherein non-goblet cells in response to chronic injury or inflammation, can differentiate into goblet cells leading to an accumulation of these cells in the tissue, known as goblet cell hyperplasia. (This extended description was generated by ChatGPT and reviewed by the CellGuide team, who added references, and by the CL editors, who approved it for inclusion in CL. It may contain information that applies only to some subtypes and species, and so should not be considered definitional.) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goblet_cell ZFA:0009094 FMA:13148 chalice cell https://cellxgene.cziscience.com/cellguide/CL_0000160 BTO:0001540 https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c4/404_Goblet_Cell_new.jpg/800px-404_Goblet_Cell_new.jpg mucus secreting cell secretory epithelial cell microvillus mucin granule