Ask the Chatbot Games & Quizzes History & Society Science & Tech Biographies Animals & Nature Geography & Travel Arts & Culture ProCon Money Videos
goblet cell
References
Images
Diagram showing the anatomy of the small intestine with labeled regions (duodenum, jejunum, ileum), a cross-section highlighting muscle and mucosa layers, an enlargement of mucosal folds (plicae circulares), and a detailed view of a villus structure with epithelial, goblet, endocrine, and Paneth cells, microvilli, blood capillaries, and lacteal.
Britannica AI Icon

goblet cell

anatomy
Written by
The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

The Information Architects maintain a master list of the topics included in the corpus of  Encyclopædia Britannica, and create and manage the relationships between them.
The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Last updated

Quick Summary

Diagram showing the anatomy of the small intestine with labeled regions (duodenum, jejunum, ileum), a cross-section highlighting muscle and mucosa layers, an enlargement of mucosal folds (plicae circulares), and a detailed view of a villus structure with epithelial, goblet, endocrine, and Paneth cells, microvilli, blood capillaries, and lacteal.
structures of the small intestine The inner wall of the small intestine is covered by numerous folds of mucous membrane called plicae circulares. The surface of these folds contains tiny projections called villi and microvilli, which further increase the total area for absorption. Absorbed nutrients are moved into circulation by blood capillaries and lacteals, or lymph channels.

Goblet cells are specialized epithelial cells found in the lining of various body passages, including the respiratory and digestive tracts. Their primary function is to secrete mucus, a viscous fluid that lubricates and protects these surfaces.1234

In the respiratory system, goblet cells are interspersed among ciliated cells in the airways. The mucus they produce traps inhaled particles like dust and bacteria, which are then moved upward by the cilia and swallowed. In the small intestine, goblet cells are found on the villi and contribute mucin, a key component of mucus, which aids in digestion and absorption. The goblet cell's shape is described as being distended at its free end, resembling an empty goblet after it has released its contents.152

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
5 Britannica Sources
  1. mucus
  2. human respiratory system - Structural design of the airway tree
  3. human digestive system - Absorption
  4. goblet cell
  5. mucous membrane

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.