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The main role of goblet cells is to secrete mucus in order to protect the mucous membranes where they are found. Goblet cells accomplish this by secreting mucins, large glycoproteins formed mostly by carbohydrates. The gel-like properties of mucins are given by its glycans (bound carbohydrates) attracting relatively large quantities of water. [10]
The mucus prevents large particles from contacting the epithelial cell layer while allowing small molecules to pass. The mucus also facilitates passage of the luminal contents along the length of the intestines, protects the epithelial cells from digestive enzymes, and prevents the direct contact of microorganisms with the epithelial layer.
Mucus is made by two types of specialized cells termed mucous cells in the stomach and goblet cells in the intestines. Signals for increased mucus release include parasympathetic innervations, immune system response and enteric nervous system messengers.
Goblet cells secrete the mucus layer which protects the epithelium from the luminal contents. Enteroendocrine cells secrete various gastrointestinal hormones including secretin, pancreozymin, enteroglucagon among others. Subsets of sensory intestinal epithelial cells synapse with nerves, [9] and are known as neuropod cells. [10]
Absorptive cell: Epithelium/intestinal glands: Digestion and absorption of nutrients in chyme Goblet cell: Epithelium/intestinal glands: Secretion of mucus Paneth cell: Intestinal glands: Secretion of the bactericidal enzyme lysozyme; phagocytosis G cells: Intestinal glands of duodenum: Secretion of the hormone intestinal gastrin: I cells
Mucus is made up of a fluid component of around 95% water, the mucin secretions from the goblet cells, and the submucosal glands (2–3% glycoproteins), proteoglycans (0.1–0.5%), lipids (0.3–0.5%), proteins, and DNA. [7] The major mucins secreted – MUC5AC and MUC5B - are large polymers that give the mucus its rheologic or viscoelastic ...
The glands and intestinal villi are covered by epithelium, which contains multiple types of cells: enterocytes (absorbing water and electrolytes), goblet cells (secreting mucus), enteroendocrine cells (secreting hormones), cup cells, myofibroblast, tuft cells, and at the base of the gland, Paneth cells (secreting anti-microbial peptides) and ...
Mucoproteins are the proteins that are the building blocks of mucus, which is a protective barrier to the epithelia of cells. It is semipermeable, so it acts as a barrier to most bacteria and pathogens, while allowing for the uptake of nutrients , water , and hormones .