Which cells secrete mucus to protect the intestinal lining?

Which cells secrete mucus to protect the intestinal lining?

• A. Goblet cells
• B. Parietal cells
• C. Chief cells
• D. Salivary amylase

Answer: (A)

Protecting the intestinal lining relies on a mucus coating that cushions and shields the epithelium. Goblet cells are the mucus-secreting cells scattered among the absorptive cells of the intestinal lining. They manufacture mucins that hydrate into a gel-like mucus, forming a protective layer that lubricates the tract and serves as a barrier against mechanical wear, digestive enzymes, acids, and microbes. The other options involve different secretions from other parts of the digestive system (acid from parietal cells and digestive enzymes from chief cells in the stomach, and an enzyme from salivary glands), not mucus production in the intestine. So goblet cells are responsible for secreting mucus to protect the intestinal lining.

Protecting the intestinal lining relies on a mucus coating that cushions and shields the epithelium. Goblet cells are the mucus-secreting cells scattered among the absorptive cells of the intestinal lining. They manufacture mucins that hydrate into a gel-like mucus, forming a protective layer that lubricates the tract and serves as a barrier against mechanical wear, digestive enzymes, acids, and microbes. The other options involve different secretions from other parts of the digestive system (acid from parietal cells and digestive enzymes from chief cells in the stomach, and an enzyme from salivary glands), not mucus production in the intestine. So goblet cells are responsible for secreting mucus to protect the intestinal lining.