A histology slide shows columnar cells with a brush border, arranged in a gland with a simple tubular structure opening into the lumen of the small intestine. The cells contain mucus-secreting granules. These are best identified as:
- A Paneth cells
- B Goblet cells within intestinal crypts of Lieberkühn ✓
- C Enteroendocrine cells
- D Brunner's gland cells
Correct answer: B. Goblet cells within intestinal crypts of Lieberkühn
Explanation
Goblet cells are unicellular mucus-secreting glands interspersed among enterocytes in both the villi and crypts of Lieberkühn of the small intestine. They appear as cells with a narrow base and expanded apical cytoplasm filled with mucin granules (giving a 'goblet' or chalice shape on H&E staining). Their secreted mucus lubricates and protects the intestinal epithelium. Paneth cells are found only at the base of crypts and contain prominent eosinophilic (antimicrobial) granules; Brunner's glands are submucosal in the duodenum.
Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.