Which secretion method is used by goblet cells?

Which secretion method is used by goblet cells?

• A. Holocrine
• B. Apocrine
• C. Merocrine
• D. Cytocrine

Answer: (B)

Goblet cells use merocrine secretion. Their mucin-containing granules are released by exocytosis, so the cell membrane fuses with the vesicle and mucins exit the cell without any loss of cytoplasm. This contrasts with holocrine secretion, where the whole cell disintegrates to release its contents; apocrine secretion, where a portion of the cell’s apex is released; and cytocrine transport, where secretory material is transferred between cells (not typical for goblet cells). In goblet cells, the secreted mucus is formed when mucins hydrate, creating the protective mucus layer in airways and the intestinal tract.

Goblet cells use merocrine secretion. Their mucin-containing granules are released by exocytosis, so the cell membrane fuses with the vesicle and mucins exit the cell without any loss of cytoplasm. This contrasts with holocrine secretion, where the whole cell disintegrates to release its contents; apocrine secretion, where a portion of the cell’s apex is released; and cytocrine transport, where secretory material is transferred between cells (not typical for goblet cells). In goblet cells, the secreted mucus is formed when mucins hydrate, creating the protective mucus layer in airways and the intestinal tract.