Unicellular gland
The simplest gland is a unicellular gland, which can be either endocrine or exocrine. The goblet cells shown here represent unicellular exocrine glands that remain in the epithelium from which they originated. These cells secrete mucus and are prominent in the lining epithelium of the gastrointestinal and respiratory systems. Small intestine 400x
Goblet cells
The simplest gland is a unicellular gland, which can be either endocrine or exocrine. The goblet cells shown here represent unicellular exocrine glands that remain in the epithelium from which they originated. These cells secrete mucus and are prominent in the lining epithelium of the gastrointestinal and respiratory systems. Small intestine 400x
- Goblet cell nuclei
The simplest gland is a unicellular gland, which can be either endocrine or exocrine. The goblet cells shown here represent unicellular exocrine glands that remain in the epithelium from which they originated. These cells secrete mucus and are prominent in the lining epithelium of the gastrointestinal and respiratory systems. Small intestine 400x
- Mucin
The simplest gland is a unicellular gland, which can be either endocrine or exocrine. The goblet cells shown here represent unicellular exocrine glands that remain in the epithelium from which they originated. These cells secrete mucus and are prominent in the lining epithelium of the gastrointestinal and respiratory systems. Small intestine 400x
Absorptive cells >
These goblet cells are embedded in a layer of absorptive cells that comprise a simple columnar epithelium. The absorptive cells have a prominent brush border composed of microvilli to increase absorptive surface area. The absorptive epithelium and its underlying loose connective tissue form a villus that also increases intestinal surface area.
- Brush border
These goblet cells are embedded in a layer of absorptive cells that comprise a simple columnar epithelium. The absorptive cells have a prominent brush border composed of microvilli to increase absorptive surface area. The absorptive epithelium and its underlying loose connective tissue form a villus that also increases intestinal surface area.
Loose connective tissue
These goblet cells are embedded in a layer of absorptive cells that comprise a simple columnar epithelium. The absorptive cells have a prominent brush border composed of microvilli to increase absorptive surface area. The absorptive epithelium and its underlying loose connective tissue form a villus that also increases intestinal surface area.
