Which cell type is a mucus-secreting cell found among the epithelial cells of the intestine?

Which cell type is a mucus-secreting cell found among the epithelial cells of the intestine?

• A. Goblet cell
• B. Enterocyte
• C. Paneth cell
• D. Enteroendocrine cell

Answer: (A)

Goblet cells are the mucus-secreting cells you find scattered among the epithelial lining of the intestine. They sit among the absorptive, tall columnar cells and harbor mucin-filled granules. When these granules are released, they hydrate into mucus, forming a protective, lubricating layer that coats and shields the mucosa from mechanical stress and enzymes as well as from microbes. Other intestinal cells have different jobs: enterocytes are the main absorbers with microvilli; Paneth cells at the crypt bases release antimicrobial substances; enteroendocrine cells secrete hormones. But the distinctive mucus production points to goblet cells.

Goblet cells are the mucus-secreting cells you find scattered among the epithelial lining of the intestine. They sit among the absorptive, tall columnar cells and harbor mucin-filled granules. When these granules are released, they hydrate into mucus, forming a protective, lubricating layer that coats and shields the mucosa from mechanical stress and enzymes as well as from microbes.

Other intestinal cells have different jobs: enterocytes are the main absorbers with microvilli; Paneth cells at the crypt bases release antimicrobial substances; enteroendocrine cells secrete hormones. But the distinctive mucus production points to goblet cells.