Corpus: Goblet cell

Goblet cells are unicellular glands that are located intraepithelially between the normal epithelial cells. In the microscopic preparation they appear cup-shaped in cross-section.

Goblet cells serve to produce mucins ("mucus"). Their cell granules contain an acidic or neutral secretion that is released to the epithelial surface by exocytosis or merocrine excretion. Here the mucins form a cohesive mucus film that covers the epithelium like a protective layer.

Goblet cells can be highlighted in the light microscopic preparation by means of mucicarmine or PAS staining and then stand out due to their typical shape and granulation. The granules are concentrated in the apical or luminal 2/3 of the cell, while the nucleus is located in the basal 1/3 of the goblet cell. "Empty" goblet cells are difficult to identify in the epithelial network.

• respiratory ciliated epithelium of the airways
• Epithelium of the gastrointestinal tract, except oesophagus and stomach
• Conjunctiva of the eye
• Nasal cavity
• Mucous membrane of the auditory tube
• Plica vestibularis

In cystic fibrosis, the goblet cells in the respiratory epithelium are increased and hypertrophied.

The goblet cell antibody (BAK) can be determined for the differential diagnosis of chronic inflammatory bowel diseases.

Laborlexikon.de; retrieved on 06/02/2021