Question

Goblet cells are specialized cells that produce mucus and found in the lining of the gastrointestinal tract and airways, Why do you think are they located in those specific areas?

Answer 1

in gastrointestinal tract , mucus secreting cell ie Goblet cells plays role of easy passage of bolus / food through complete canal and also passage of waste through anus . In addition it also plays role to maintain the alkaline environment by secreting bicarbonates

In respiratory tract goblet cells secrete mucous to trap the dust particles and make inhaled air warm and humid

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Answer 2

In the epithelium of many organs, particularly the intestinal and respiratory tracts, goblet cells can be found dispersed among other cells. The main function of the goblet cell is to produce mucus to protect and lubricate the epithelial surfaces of the respiratory and digestive tracts.

• Simple epithelia, such as cuboidal, columnar, and pseudostratified epithelia, contain goblet cells, which are unicellular intraepithelial mucin-secreting glands. Their name comes from the fact that they have a goblet-like shape, with narrow bases and a large tip.
• Goblet cells have the ability to release mucus, a viscous fluid made up mostly of highly glycosylated proteins termed mucins floating in an electrolyte solution.
• Mucus is made up of mucins, water, ions, and immune system components such as immunoglobulin A (IgA) and anti-microbial peptides, which aid in the elimination of disease-causing organisms.
• Mucus has a variety of roles, including protecting against shear stress and chemical damage, as well as trapping and eliminating particulate matter and germs, particularly in the respiratory tree.
• Basal (constitutive) secretion occurs when goblet cells continuously generate modest amounts of mucus.
• When the epithelium is inflamed, such as by inhaling smoke, mucus production increases considerably. Stimulated secretion is the term for this type of induced secretion.