Which intestinal cells secrete mucus in the intestinal mucosa?

Which intestinal cells secrete mucus in the intestinal mucosa?

• A. Goblet cells secrete mucus in stomach.
• B. Goblet cells secrete mucus in intestinal mucosa.
• C. Enteroendocrine cells secrete mucus.
• D. Paneth cells secrete mucus.

Answer: (B)

Goblet cells in the intestinal mucosa are the specialized secretory cells that produce mucus. They synthesize mucin glycoproteins and store them in secretory granules; when released, these mucins hydrate to form a viscous mucus layer that coats and protects the epithelium, lubricates the contents, and helps barrier function against mechanical damage and microbes. In the intestinal lining, goblet cells are interspersed among the absorptive enterocytes, with their numbers increasing toward the colon to provide more mucus where it’s most needed. Enteroendocrine cells release hormones, not mucus; Paneth cells at the crypt bases secrete antimicrobial peptides; and mucus in the stomach is produced by surface mucous cells and mucous neck cells, not goblet cells. Therefore, goblet cells secreting mucus in the intestinal mucosa is the correct association.

Goblet cells in the intestinal mucosa are the specialized secretory cells that produce mucus. They synthesize mucin glycoproteins and store them in secretory granules; when released, these mucins hydrate to form a viscous mucus layer that coats and protects the epithelium, lubricates the contents, and helps barrier function against mechanical damage and microbes. In the intestinal lining, goblet cells are interspersed among the absorptive enterocytes, with their numbers increasing toward the colon to provide more mucus where it’s most needed. Enteroendocrine cells release hormones, not mucus; Paneth cells at the crypt bases secrete antimicrobial peptides; and mucus in the stomach is produced by surface mucous cells and mucous neck cells, not goblet cells. Therefore, goblet cells secreting mucus in the intestinal mucosa is the correct association.