Goblet cell

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 [edit on Wikidata]

Goblet cells are simple columnar epithelial cells that secrete gel-forming mucins, like mucin 2 in the lower gastrointestinal tract, and mucin 5AC in the respiratory tract.^[1] 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.^[2] 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.

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.^[1] The apical plasma membrane projects short microvilli to give an increased surface area for secretion.^[3]

Goblet cells are typically found in the respiratory, reproductive and lower gastrointestinal tract and are surrounded by other columnar cells.^[1] 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.^[4][5]